Health Ministry’s Steps for Doctor Protection: Too Little, Too Late, Says IMA Chief

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) criticizes the health ministry’s delayed action in forming a panel for healthcare worker protection. The protest follows the tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The IMA highlights the need for immediate political will to push pending legislation.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has expressed frustration over the health ministry's recent decision to form a panel to deliberate on a central law for healthcare worker protection, calling it 'too little and too late'. IMA chief Dr. R V Asokan stressed that immediate political will is required to bring about the necessary legislation.

Protests erupted nationwide as resident doctors demanded a central law following the horrific rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at a state-run medical college in Kolkata. Dr. Asokan criticized the government's reluctance in acknowledging the violence against healthcare personnel.

Highlighting prior instances of rapid legislative action, Dr. Asokan cited the swift amendment of the Epidemic Diseases Act during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that all necessary measures are in place and only require political commitment to be enacted. He also pointed out the systemic issues exposed by the Kolkata incident, including inadequate working conditions and a lack of security for medical staff.

(With inputs from agencies.)