Hazaribagh, Feb. 10: Doctors in Jharkhand will soon get licences to carry firearms.

Concerned over the increasing attack on medical practitioners in Jharkhand and Bihar, the home ministry has instructed all deputy commissioners to immediately act on applications of private and government doctors who have asked for gun licences.

Some doctors feel the licensing procedure should be completed in Ranchi to protect the identity of those who have applied.

Secretary of the Hazaribagh chapter of Indian Medical Association (IMA) Rajat Chakraborty said: ?Criminals will easily track down doctors with firearms. If the government is serious enough for our security, they should issue licences from Ranchi.?