By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 20 Apr: In a press release issued here, today, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has stated that it has maintained utmost restraint and patience in spite of extreme provocations. Doctors have been abused, beaten up, denied entry into their residences. Obstruction to cremation is the last straw that IMA can bear. If dignity is denied even in death, the association will lose patience and restraint. It has demanded a special Central Law against violence against doctors, nurses, health care workers and hospitals by an ordinance.
“Several violent incidents later, we are where we started our journey,” the release states. “The Covid 19 has only made us acutely aware of our helplessness against mindless abuse and violence. Stigma and social boycott are everywhere. Harassment by the administration is nothing but violence by the State. Our patience and restraint are signs of strength. Our legitimate needs for safe workplaces have to be met. Abuse and Violence should stop immediately.”
It has issued a White Alert to the nation – all doctors and hospitals to light a candle as protest and vigil at 9 p.m. on Wednesday. It warns that the white alert should not become red. Let the Doctors be safe, let the Hospitals be safe, it demands.
The IMA has also warned that a Black Day would be observed if the government fails to enact a Central Law on violence against Doctors and Hospitals even after the White Alert. It has declared a Black Day on Thursday, when all the doctors in the country will work with black badges.
Further decisions will be taken if suitable steps are not taken by the Government. White Alert and the Black Day are only warnings, the release, signed by DD Choudhary, Honorary Secretary, IMA, Uttarakhand, states.
