‘Ahmedabad docs using Swastika at RSS behest’

Indian Medical Association seek an explanation from Ahmedabad Medical Association over the use of 'Swastika' as substitute for Red Cross.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has sought an explanation from Ahmedabad Medical Association (AMA) over the use of ‘Swastika’ as a symbol substituting ‘Red Cross’ by some local doctors Ahmedabad.

The use of Swastika by doctors in the city is being seen as an impact of a sustained campaign by RSS outfit Arogya Bharti.

The IMA has, however, warned that use of ‘Swastika’ is against the set international practice of the medical profession.

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“After there were objections to the misuse of ‘Red Cross’ symbol, the Arogya Bharti decided in September last that ‘Swastika’ can substitute the symbol (Red Cross),” city based ophthalmologist and Arogya Bharti treasurer Dr Pravin Bhavsar said.

The Red Cross symbol can be used by members of the Red Cross Society or Armed Forces Medical Service, he said, adding that there is also a provision of fine of Rs 500 for others using this symbol.

The ‘Swastika’ symbol being used by the doctors in Ahmedabad is different from ‘Nazi Swastika’, as they are using Hindu variation with four dots in the four segments. So far some two doctors are using this symbol on the boards of their clinics.

“Our campaign is spread only by word of mouth. It is not compulsory for the doctors to accept the use of this symbol in their clinics,” Bhavsar said.

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Recently the Ahmedabad Medical Association (AMA) also had articles in its bulletin published in February, promoting use of ‘Swastika’.