India: IMA writes to PM Modi, lists demands for safety of doctors after Kolkata rape case

The Union Health Ministry of India on Saturday (August 17) urged the doctors to end their nationwide strike, called in protest against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital, assuring the formation of a committee that will suggest measures for the safety of healthcare professionals.

The Indian health ministrysaid that this committee will have recommendations from all the stakeholders, and the respective state governments are also invited to share their inputs and suggestions in this regard.

IMA writes to PM Modi

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outlining several demands following the tragic sexual assault and death of a female postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Bengal.

The IMA is urging the introduction of a Central Act that would integrate the 2020 amendments to the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 into the proposed "Healthcare Services Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill 2019."

"The security measures at hospitals should be equivalent to those at airports. Designating hospitals as safe zones with mandatory security provisions is a crucial first step. CCTVs, security personnel, and protocols can be implemented thereafter," the IMA said.

Nationwide protests

The protest took place while doctors across the nation are on a 24-hour strike following the brutal murder and rape of a trainee doctor at a state-run medical college in Kolkata. All health services were withdrawnduring the protest except for emergency care, referred to as 'essential services'.

The medical community now seeks justice and immediate reforms in the system forresident doctors to work and live, including central law to safeguard health professionals from workplace violence.

Union Health Ministry officials held meetings with representatives of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and the Resident Doctors' Associations of Governmental Medical Colleges and Hospitals in Delhi on Saturday.

"The Ministry requested the agitating doctors to resume their duties in the larger public interest and in view of the rising cases of Dengue and Malaria," the ministry said in the official statement.

However, thehealthcare associations have made it clear that they were very concerned about the issue of the safety and security of health workers in their workplaces.

They presented a series of demands to the Central government, saying theyhaveto make fast and concrete moves to save the medical professionals from the atrocities committed.

In response, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare assured the representatives that the government is very sensitive to the problems and challenges the healthcare workers face and is totally committed to addressing these issues.

The ministry informed that 26 states have already put in place legislation to safeguard healthcare workers toshowthatthe government is addressing the issue.

(With inputs from agencies)