VADODARA: Following a decision taken by its headquarters, the Vadodara chapter of the
Indian Medical Association (IMA) has decided to observe the first week of this month as
safe fraternity week.
Every year, July 1 is celebrated as Doctor’s Day in memory of late Dr B C Roy. This year, IMA New Delhi has decided to celebrate safe fraternity week with the theme of ‘Zero tolerance for violence against health professionals and clinical establishments’.
“As part of the action plan for the safe fraternity week we will carry out campaign advocating that CCTV cameras should be installed at all hospitals. Also, anti-violence videos will be screened at all hospitals and clinics,” said Dr Nutan Shah, president of IMA Vadodara chapter.
The chapter has also urged its members to display videos and pictures in reception areas of their hospitals and clinics of the factual video of violence against healthcare professionals which has been released by IMA.
“We will be seeking appointments of local authorities so that police commissioner, civic body chiefs can be given memorandums,” she said, adding that demand for strong, effective execution of available state laws till conviction will be made.
“We will make them aware of existing law by submission of copy of ‘Prevention of Violence Against Medicare Persons Act’ of the state,” she said, adding that through district collector, demand for strong anti-violence Act will also be placed before central government.
IMA has decided that all its branches should write to Prime Minister’s office, home minister and health minister demanding a strong anti-violence act while state government should be urged to declare all hospitals as “safe zone”.
She added Vadodara branch has already formed crisis management groups while it will be involving prominent personalities from the community seeking their support to the campaign.
