Punjab health minister invites doctors, associations to discuss Prevention of Violence Against Healthcare Professionals
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ August 17,2024
Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh has convene a meeting regarding Prevention of Violence Against Healthcare Professionals and invited the President, PCMS Association Punjab along with district representatives, President IMA Punjab along with district representatives and other health department officials to attend it on August 19,2024 (Monday) at 3:30 pm.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among the medical community. On Friday, the IMA presented five demands: a complete revamp of the working and living conditions for resident doctors, and the enactment of a central law to check violence against healthcare professionals.
As per available information, the Monday meeting has been scheduled to discuss the measures that can be taken regarding Prevention of Violence Against Healthcare Professionals
and the occurrence of similar unfortunate incident that has happened in RG KAR, Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Doctors from both government and private hospitals across the country have launched a nation-wide strike on a call given by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in protest against alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Punjab health minister invites doctors, associations to discuss Prevention of Violence Against Healthcare Professionals. Most non-emergency medical services remained suspended for 24 hours starting at 6AM on Saturday.
What are the IMA’s five demands?
- The IMA called for a comprehensive improvement in the working and living conditions for resident doctors, highlighting issues such as the 36-hour shifts and inadequate rest areas that contributed to the tragedy at RG Kar hospital.
- The IMA urged the implementation of a central act incorporating the 2023 amendments to the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 into the proposed Hospital Protection Bill of 2019. This would enhance existing protections in 25 states, with the association also suggesting that an ordinance similar to the one used during the Covid-19 pandemic could be effective.
- The IMA demanded a thorough and professional investigation into the crime, with a defined timeframe for justice, as well as the identification and punishment of those responsible for vandalising Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital on the night of August 14
- The association proposed that hospital security measures be upgraded to match airport standards. This includes declaring hospitals as safe zones, implementing mandatory security features, installing CCTVs, and deploying security personnel.
- The IMA sought a fair and dignified compensation for the victim’s family, reflecting the severity of the crime.
