Dr Harsh Vardhan writes to all CMs – Calls for strict action against any person who assaults doctors
New Delhi, June 16, 2019 :
healthysoch : In view of the recent assault on doctors in West Bengal, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare yesterday wrote a letter to the Chief Ministers of all States and UTs drawing their attention for strict action against any person who assaults doctors.
Expressing deep concern over the recent act of violence against doctors, the Union Health Minister stated that incidents of assaults on doctors are reported from different parts of the country and this leads to sudden strike by doctors, gravely affecting the healthcare services. “Resident doctors in many parts of the country are agitating and not providing healthcare services. Agitations by doctors in West Bengal seem to be getting aggravated and taking shape of strike by both Government and Private sector doctors, all over the country”, he wrote. Representatives from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Delhi Medical Association (DMA) also called on Dr. Harsh Vardhan.
Stressing further on the need for avoiding such incidents in future, Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the law enforcement should prevail so that doctors and clinical establishments discharge their duties and professional pursuit without fear of any violence.
“Strict action against any person who assaults them, must be ensured by the law enforcement agencies,” he emphasized. Through his letter to the States, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has reminded the Chief Ministers and requested them to consider enacting specific legislation for protecting doctors and medical professionals, and has forwarded the Draft Act provided by IMA i.e. the Protection of Medical Service Persons and Medical Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss of Property) Act, 2017… (PIB, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, June 15, 2019)
The Author of this article is Dr KK Aggarwal, Padma Shri Awardee