IMA Welcomes SC's Intervention, Urges for Central Law Against Violence

The IMA is calling for the government to issue an ordinance in this regard, highlighting that such legislation is a longstanding demand of the association.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has expressed strong support for the Supreme Court's recent intervention aimed at curbing violence against medical professionals.

In an internal communication sent on Tuesday, the IMA emphasized its commitment to collaborating with the committee appointed by the court to address safety, security, and related matters.

The association also reiterated its firm stance that a central law to prevent violence against healthcare workers is "non-negotiable."

IMA’s Demand

In the communication addressed to state and local branch presidents and secretaries, the IMA leadership underscored that enacting a central law to combat violence against medical professionals is a crucial policy matter.

The IMA is calling for the government to issue an ordinance in this regard, highlighting that such legislation is a longstanding demand of the association.

"The central Act against violence is a policy matter. An ordinance in this regard is the demand of the IMA," the communication stated. The IMA headquarters is currently reviewing the statement issued by the Ministry of Health on the matter.

Earlier, in a strategic move, the IMA headquarters had directed all its local branches to engage with Members of Parliament (MPs) and present them with a memorandum submitted to PM Narendra Modi on August 17.

This memorandum outlined the association's key demands, including the urgent need for a central law against violence. The state branches have been tasked with coordinating these meetings and submitting detailed completion reports within three days.

The IMA also referred to the 2019 draft Bill, which includes the 2020 amendments to the Epidemic Diseases Act, as the minimum acceptable standard for legislation.

Additionally, the IMA suggested incorporating Kerala's "Code Grey" protocol. It advocated for the responsibilities and penalties for investigating officers to mirror those outlined in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Consultations with Resident Doctors' Associations

Recognizing the importance of unity within the medical community, the IMA has instructed its state branches to engage with Resident Doctors' Associations (RDAs) to hold consultation meetings.

The IMA headquarters has also scheduled a similar consultation meeting to further discuss the issues at hand.

A virtual meeting with IMA state presidents and secretaries was convened on Tuesday to align strategies and actions moving forward.

Nationwide Withdrawal of Non-Emergency Services

The IMA's recent actions come in the wake of a tragic incident involving the alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at a state-run medical college and hospital in Kolkata, which was followed by vandalism at the hospital.

The association has pointed to the victim's 36-hour duty shift and the lack of safe rest spaces as indicative of the need for a thorough overhaul of the working and living conditions of resident doctors.

In response to these events, the IMA declared a nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency medical services from 6 AM on August 17 to 6 AM on August 18.

The association also appealed for the PM's intervention in fulfilling their demands, including declaring hospitals as safe zones, similar to airports, with mandatory security measures in place.