The Union Health Ministry on Saturday assured doctors of all possible efforts to ensure safety, as services were impacted in the states in the wake of nation-wide strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old PG trainee in Kolkata.
The representatives of Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Resident Doctors’ Associations of Governmental Medical Colleges and Hospitals of Delhi met government officials at the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in the aftermath of the incident against a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
The Ministry assured the associations of constituting a committee to suggest all such possible measures for ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals.
It said that representatives of all stakeholders, including the state governments, will be invited to share their suggestions with the panel.
The various Associations put forth their demands regarding their concern over the safety and security of healthcare workers at the workplace.
The Ministry said it has heard the demands of the representatives and assured them of all possible efforts to ensure the security of healthcare professionals.
“The representatives of all the associations were informed that the government is well aware of the situation and is sensitive to their demands,” it added.
It was observed that 26 states have already passed legislation for the protection of healthcare workers in their respective states.
In view of the rising cases of dengue and malaria, the Ministry requested the agitating doctors to resume their duties.
The IMA had called for a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of medical services starting 6 a.m. on Saturday till 6 a.m. on Sunday in protest against the RG Kar incident.
The IMA has also demanded a Central Act (Central Protection Act for Doctors) protecting medical professionals from violence at workplaces.
Sri Lankan Navy arrests 32 Tamil fishermen, five boats seized
The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 32 fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Lankan waters.
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails ISRO's century in rocket launches, urges people to dedicate a day for science
Addressing the 119th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian Space Research Organisation, saying it has hit the century in space. Last month, the country witnessed the ISRO's 100th rocket launch.
Mizoram student stabbed to death in Kerala, batchmate arrested
A 22-year-old BTech student from Mizoram was stabbed to death near his college in Thiruvananthapuram. The deceased, Valentine, was a student at Rajadhani Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nagaroor.
Italy PM slams Left's double standards, says when Trump, Meloni, Modi talk, they are called threat to democracy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused left-wing politicians of being "nervous" over former US President Donald Trump's victory, claiming that conservatives are unfairly labelled as a "threat to democracy" while leftist leaders are celebrated for similar global alliances.
NDRF intensifies rescue operation to save 8 trapped in Telangana tunnel
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on Sunday intensified rescue efforts to save eight persons trapped in an under-construction tunnel after a portion of its roof collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on February 22.
Israel delays Palestinian prisoner release after 'humiliating' hostage handovers
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until Hamas ceases its "humiliating ceremonies" during the release of Israeli hostages under the ceasefire deal.
PM Modi on 3-day visit to MP, Bihar, Assam from today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Assam from February 23 to 25 to participate in several developmental projects and inaugurate business summits.
US senators call out China for 'weaponising' UN 1971 resolution, vow support to Taiwan
The United States Senators accused China of subverting United Nations Resolution 2758 in an attempt to isolate Taiwan. The senators proposed a resolution in the Senate reaffirming US support for Taiwan. The resolution opposes China's attempt to prevent Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations.