The Indian Medical Association (IMA) had arranged a crucial meeting with Union Minister JP Nadda to tackle pressing healthcare issues. After this meeting, an IMA team will leave for West Bengal at 9 PM, with plans to reach RG Kar Hospital the next day. Their agenda includes a vital discussion with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, aimed at addressing critical healthcare concerns and the necessary administrative actions to manage the ongoing challenges.
In an exclusive conversation with NewsX, the chairman of the Action committe Indian Medical Association (IMA) Vinay Aggarwal, shed light on the most pressing issue currently gripping the nation and provided a broader perspective on the situation.
He began by discussing the nature of this heinous crime, stating, “Firstly, we informed them that the medical community in the country is in a state of upheaval, and this incident has shaken the entire nation. You can see that the medical community is on strike in various places, raising slogans, and in some cases, emergency services are also suspended. Even in major hospitals in Delhi, there were strikes.”
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He went on to elaborate on the three key demands the association had presented to the Union Minister JP Nadda, saying, “He assured us, and our three demands were as follows: First, we demanded a central protection act for doctors. Currently, 25 states have their own versions of this act, with different provisions—some bailable, some non-bailable. We proposed a central act with uniform provisions to ensure a stronger deterrent. Second, we requested that hospitals be declared safe zones, similar to how the Parliament is a safe zone, with its own SOPs. Third, we asked that in such specific cases, disciplinary action be taken by the CBI because we lack confidence in the actions of the Bengal government. The public perceives the government’s response as mere eyewash.”
He also mentioned, “The fourth demand we made was that strict action be taken against any administrative lapses and involved officials, to restore confidence within the medical community.”
He further stated that they have requested a strong condemnation and a firm statement from the Union Minister on this matter.
Dr. Rohan Krishnan also joined the interview with NewsX and provided valuable insights on the ongoing crisis. Dr. Rohan Krishnan shared his views on the matter and discussed the Kolkata High Court’s order to transfer the probe to the CBI.
He said, “We welcome this verdict; it is a very good order. However, this does not solve any of our problems. This was one of our demands, that a CBI investigation take place. We had other demands as well, such as providing compensation to the deceased’s family. Additionally, we demanded the resignation or suspension of the principal of RG Kar Medical College, where there were significant security lapses. Despite the demand for resignation, the principal was immediately reinstated at another medical college.”
He added, “Our demand for a central protection act has been ongoing. It was enacted during the COVID period, but it did not progress in Parliament due to various reasons. We need full support from the central government to implement the central protection act as a rule, as incidents of violence against doctors are increasing. Female doctors are refusing to work night shifts, and cases of physical assault are emerging even in cities like Delhi. This is the best time to introduce the central protection act.”
When asked if they would appeal to end the strike following the CBI inquiry order, he responded, “No. As I mentioned, the CBI inquiry is one demand, but the central protection act is another crucial demand. There has been no action on the principal, and there is no fast-track management in place. The state government doctors’ demands have not yet been met, so there are discussions about intensifying the strike and shutting down emergency services.”
In summary, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) is pressing for comprehensive measures to address the recent healthcare crisis. Their key demands include the establishment of a central protection act for doctors, declaration of hospitals as safe zones, and a CBI investigation into security lapses.
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