Insult to medical, frontline workers: Doctors’ Association condemns decision to allow 100 percent occupancy in TN theatres

The  Doctors’ Association for Social Equality (DASE) has condemned Tamil Nadu government’s decision to permit 100 per cent occupancy in theatres. Calling the decision an ‘insult to the medical fraternity’, the Association urged the government to review their decision.

GR Ravindranath, the President of the DASE, in a statement, said that the government was being more considerate of the economic welfare of filmmakers than the general public. “The mutant Coronavirus spreads 70 times faster. We have to worry about trying to keep people alive. The World Welfare Organisation continues to insist on social distancing, avoiding public gatherings and closed spaces. The Centre is also issuing the same norms. Which is why it is shocking that the Tamil Nadu government has taken such a decision,” the doctors said. 

The DASE said that for the last eight months, doctors, nurses and medical staff have been working endlessly to treat patients and stop the spread of the virus. “Many have died treating patients too. Now it seems like the government is doing the opposite by letting the virus spread through this new decision.  It is an insult to medical staff and front line workers,” the doctors said in the statement.

The doctors said actors and artists from the film industry have a duty to protect their fans and their families from the Coronavirus. “The film industry must act with social responsibility and the Tamil Nadu government should reconsider their decision. The economically vulnerable should be protected and the welfare of the medical staff should also be taken care of. We cannot be paving the way for the virus to spread,” the Association stated.