Agra: Doctors in Agra are all set to undergo training of a different kind - learning the use of firearms for self-defence, as a result of increasing threats from kidnappers.
The doctors will spend more time at the shooting range than in their clinics when a programme drawn up by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) is implemented early next month.
After a spate of abductions by criminal gangs, the doctors have been holding emergency sessions for the past week and meeting politicians and district authorities to work out a foolproof security arrangement.
Over 60 doctors have applied for licences for firearms. They will start practicing at the firing range near Dayalbagh, developed at the initiative of Municipal Commissioner Shyam Singh Yadav.
The latest threat was received by Rajiv Upadhyaya who refused to give in and galvanised the medical fraternity to wake up to the challenge seriously.
"Instead of fearing the gangsters, we should all collectively face the threat and devise methods to foil their attempts," said Upadhyaya.
While Pankaj Mahendru, director of Apollo Hospital, said there was no ground for fear, gynaecologist Alka Sen said, "We know how to defend ourselves."
In the past two years, at least a dozen doctors have either received threats or have been abducted.
Well-known dermatologist G.G. Dheer was abducted from his clinic by gunmen but was released within hours when the police swung into action.
Rahul Sahai and Munishwar Gupta are other doctors who have been victims of Agra's flourishing kidnapping industry.
What baffles people here is the fact that only doctors working in Agra district have been targeted while those in neighbouring districts are not.
The reason could be the high profile and the earning capacity of these doctors, many of whom charge Rs 300-Rs 500 per patient. Some private practitioners examine up to 100 patients a day.
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