The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has withdrawn its two-day protest after a video conference with Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan. The protesting doctors demanded an urgent law to protect the medical fraternity that is risking their lives to battle the coronavirus pandemic but are also facing attacks.
The medical body urged the government to bring in a law on an urgent basis to protect medical professionals. IMA had threatened that they will observe a ‘Black Day’ if no action is taken by the government and the doctors in the country will work with black badges on April 23.
A statement issued by IMA said, "Considering the immediate high-level response by government and solid assurance given by the Home Minister himself, it has been decided that the white alert protest of 22nd and Black Day of 23rd stands withdrawn to maintain the unity and integrity of our country.”
The top two ministers spoke to the protesting doctors asking them not to go ahead with their protest. Sources said Amit Shah assured the doctors of all help and security. Amit Shah also said that at this stage of India’s fight against coronavirus, such protests will send a wrong message.
In series of tweets Amit Shah said, "Safety and dignity of our doctors at their workplace is non-negotiable. It is our collective responsibility to ensure conducive atmosphere for them at all times.”
“I have assured doctors that Modi government is committed to their cause and appealed to reconsider their proposed protest,” he said.
The MHA spokesperson also said, "Union Home Minister Amit Shah interacted with doctors and Indian Medical Association (IMA) through video conferencing. He appreciated their good work. He also assured them security and appealed to them to not to do even symbolic protest as proposed by them, government is with them."
On April 20, the MHA issued an advisory to all states and union territories expressing concern over the growing incidents of violence against frontline healthcare professionals.
Several cases of doctors being abused, beaten and denied entry into residences have surfaced from across the country.
Families of at least two doctors, who succumbed to the novel coronavirus in Shillong and Chennai, had faced opposition while performing their last rites as the locals claimed that burying them in their localities may lead to the spread of the infection.