NEW DELHI: Delhi Social Welfare Minister Sandeep Kumar today came under attack for his controversial remark that government will "terminate the services of doctors who refuse to admit dengue patients", which later forced Health Minister Satyendar Jain to issue an apology.
Addressing a public gathering yesterday, Kumar while referring to the current dengue crisis said, "Doctors don't have any right to refuse to admit you. We will get their license cancelled if they do so.
"We will terminate the service of those doctors who refuse to admit you... but government will definitely support you," he said.
Reacting to Kumar's remark against the doctors, Delhi Health Minister Jain came in support of doctors saying they were working day and night to combat the dengue crisis.
"I am personally observing that doctors are working with full dedication. At this time, doctors, paramedic, nurses and even volunteers are working well in hospitals. We need to fight together (against dengue)," Jain said.
"I apologize for his remark (Kumar)," he added
Later, the Social Welfare Minister clarified, "It was not my intention to hurt anyone... I am sorry if I have. It is the government, the administration and the MLAs' responsibility to work together with the people and keep politics aside."
Slamming Lt Governor Najeeb Jung and all BJP's seven MPs in Delhi, Kumar accused them of not being supportive in the fight against the vector-borne disease.
"I want to ask why Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, who said Delhi is mine, is not cooperating (in fight against dengue)? Where have all the BJP's seven MPs gone?...They are having a gala time abroad (during dengue crises)," Kumar alleged.