The Centre has asked the states to consider enacting specific legislation for protecting doctors and medical professionals. Dr Harsh Vardhan has written to all the Chief Ministers in this regard in view of the recent assault on doctors in West Bengal.
He also forwarded the Draft Act provided by IMA- the Protection of Medical Service Persons and Medical Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss of Property) Act, 2017. He further drew the attention to take strict action against any person who assaults doctors.
Expressing deep concern, Dr Vardhan said, incidents of assaults on doctors are reported from different parts of the country and this leads to sudden strike by doctors affecting the health care services.
Resident doctors in many parts of the country are agitating and not providing health care services. He said agitations by doctors in West Bengal seem to be getting aggravated and taking shape of the strike by both Government and Private doctors, all over the country.
In his letter, the Health Minister stressed on the need for avoiding such incidents in future. He said, the law enforcement should prevail so that doctors and clinical establishments discharge their duties and professional pursuit without fear of any violence.
He said, strict action against any person who assaults doctors must be ensured by the law enforcement agencies. Representatives from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Delhi Medical Association also called on the Health Minister today. (AIR NEWS)