New Delhi: In response to nationwide protests following the horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate medical trainee in Kolkata, the Union Health Ministry has pledged to take all necessary steps to safeguard healthcare professionals. The protests, led by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), significantly affected healthcare services across the country.
Representatives from the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), the IMA, and Resident Doctors’ Associations from various government medical colleges and hospitals in Delhi held discussions with officials from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The talks centered on the recent attack on a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
During the meeting, the Ministry assured the associations that a committee would be formed to propose measures aimed at enhancing the safety and security of healthcare workers.
The committee will include representatives from all relevant stakeholders, including state governments, who will be invited to provide their input and suggestions to ensure a robust plan is developed.
The associations also presented their demands, focusing on the need to improve workplace safety for healthcare professionals. In response, the Ministry confirmed that it is fully aware of their concerns and committed to addressing them.
The Ministry also noted that 26 states have already enacted laws aimed at protecting healthcare workers.
Amid concerns over rising cases of dengue and malaria, the Ministry urged protesting doctors to return to work to help manage the situation.
The IMA had called for a 24-hour nationwide strike, beginning at 6 a.m. on Saturday and concluding at 6 a.m. on Sunday, in protest of the Kolkata incident. The IMA has also called for a Central Protection Act for Doctors to prevent violence against healthcare professionals in the workplace.
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