Coronavirus India: IMA warns to observe April 23 as Black Day over violence against doctors

ST Correspondent
Tuesday, 21 April 2020
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Pune: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has written to the central government demanding an ordinance to protect doctors and other healthcare workers during a rise in incidents of violence against medical staff working to fight the novel coronavirus.

IMA has called for a 'White Alert' in which all doctors and hospital staff will light a candle as a mark of protest and vigil at 9 pm on Wednesday.

The doctors are protesting against the violence against medical professionals and doctors across India. IMA representatives have said that if the government fails to enact Central Law on violence against doctors and hospitals, IMA shall declare Black Day on Thursday, April 23.

Speaking on the same, Dr Avinash Bhondwe, IMA Maharashtra state, said that IMA has maintained utmost restraint and patience in spite of extreme provocations.

"Doctors have been abused, beaten up, denied entry and residence. Obstruction to cremation is the last straw that IMA can bear. If dignity is denied even in death, our patience and restraint lose their value. We demand a special Central Law against violence on doctors, nurses, health care workers and Hospitals by an ordinance," Dr Bhondwe said.

"Several violent incidents later, we are where we started our journey. 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 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," Dr Bhondwe added.

Adding to this, Dr Aarti Nimkar, President of IMA Pune chapter said that if the government fails to enact central law on violence against doctors and hospitals even after 'White Alert', IMA will declare a 'Black Day' on Thursday, April 23.

"All the Doctors in the country will work with black badges. Further decisions will be taken if the government does not take suitable steps even after Black Day," said Dr Nimkar.

 

 

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