The IMA today termed "too harsh a step" the cancellation of the licence of Max Hospital in Shalimar Bagh by the Delhi government, saying action should be initiated against "those who are at fault" after inquiry.

Indian Medical Association (IMA) President K K Aggarwal, also a cardiologist, said the government decision was "not in the interest of society"."I personally feel it was wrong. The government has taken a wrong decision... For a mistake that occurred at the level of a doctor, the license of the hospital cannot be cancelled," he said.In a statement released hours after the announcement by the Delhi government, the IMA said it was "too harsh a step", and that action should be taken against those people who are at fault.

"We are not backing the mistake committed by Max super specialty hospital. However, the cancellation of license is too harsh a step. Action should be initiated against those who are at fault after proper inquiry by the Delhi Medical Council."Mistakes occur even at premier government hospitals such as AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital," the IMA chief said."If the government starts cancelling the licenses of hospitals in such a manner then all the healthcare facilities will have to be shut down," he said.The Delhi government today cancelled thelicensee of Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, with immediate effect, for alleged medical negligence, including in the twins case in which one of the babies was found alive after being wrongly declared dead by the doctors.