SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Aug 13: Union health minister JP Nadda today accepted the demands of doctors when a delegation of the national body of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) under president Dr R V Asokan met him.
The Union Health Minister assured the delegation that the government would consider the first two demands. He said that the National Medical Commission (NMC) will take steps on security issues properly.
Earlier, a delegation of the IMA national body comprising national president Dr. R V Asokan, secretary general Dr. Anil Kumar J Nayak, past national president Dr. Vinay Agrawal, and Dr. Shitij Bali, met union health minister J.P. Nadda and submitted a memorandum.
Apurva Chandra, Secretary (Health & Family Welfare, Government of India), and Dr. Atul Goel (Director General, DGHS, GoI) were also present during the meeting.
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During the meeting, the IMA delegation submitted a memorandum demanding to declare hospitals across the country as safe zones, a central law against violence and NMC to bring in security stipulations for recognition of medical colleges.
The IMA pressed for better working conditions and accommodation for resident doctors. The minister responded positively to this demand as well.
“The IMA considers this meeting as the first step in resolution of the issue. IMA awaits the final word from the Government on the first two demands,” a release issued by the IMA said.
IMA Jharkhand women’s wing seeks guideline
IMA Jharkhand chapter Women’s wing chairperson Dr Bharti Kashyap hailed the CBI inquiry ordered by the Calcutta High Court and demanded safety guidelines at hospitals at par with an airport.
Dr Kashyap said that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has not made any safety guidelines for doctors. “There are strong safety guidelines at airports. Such guidelines also should be made for major hospitals where resident doctors stay at night for duty. Besides guidelines, CCTV camera guards and street lights must be arranged”, said Dr Kashyap.
