The chief of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Dr. R V Asokan, blasted the Indian government on August 16 for appointing a panel to study a federal law to safeguard healthcare professionals. He called the action “too little, too late,” stressing that more urgent political will is needed to address the issue than forming a committee. Dr. Asokan emphasized that Parliament has not yet addressed a draft bill that was created in 2019 following lengthy consultations. He maintained that the government’s unwillingness to take action is indicative of a larger denial of the violence that medical professionals experience.
In response to a tragic occurrence in Kolkata when a trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered, resident doctors have been protesting widely, and this has coincided with Dr. Asokan’s remarks. The demonstrations have made it more urgent to pass a national law protecting medical professionals. The government’s reaction to the tragedy, particularly the lack of transparency and delay in contacting the victim’s family, was condemned by Dr. Asokan. He voiced his concern that other people were involved in the crime and emphasized the need for the CBI to conduct a comprehensive probe.
The head of the IMA also denounced the damage caused by a mob to the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, which included attacks on the emergency room. He pointed out that this kind of brutality not only exposes the seriousness of the crime but also the inadequate infrastructure and security in hospitals.
Dr. Asokan stressed that this unfortunate incident highlights a larger problem of insufficient safety precautions and unfavorable working circumstances for medical professionals, especially women. He demanded greater hospital security, better infrastructure, and better laws. Dr. Asokan reassured that emergency services continue to function and that the protests are intended to support not only doctors but all women in the nation, despite the disruptions brought about by the prolonged strike that have raised concerns about patient care.
The IMA has scheduled a 24-hour nationwide walkout on August 17 and 18 to press the government to take action on these pressing issues. Dr. Asokan expressed optimism that sustained public pressure and lobbying will force the government to act decisively.
SOURCE :
THE PRINT
