Chhattisgarh Minister demands doctor protection law

New Delhi, April 22 (IANS) To check growing attack on doctors and other health workers, Chhattisgarh Health Minister T.S. Singh Deo on Wednesday demanded a law to protect doctors.

“Apart from the Indian penal code, doctors should be protected by a law. A doctor protection law with stringent punishment should be formulated. The responsibility of doctors should also be fixed,” he said.

It was unfortunate that doctors and other health workers, fighting the coronavirus pandemic, were being attacked, he said.

Earlier during the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had a video interaction with doctors and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) office-bearers, leading the IMA to “withdraw” it’s proposed protests on April 22 and 23.

Lauding their work, the Home Minister assured them of their security. He appealed doctors against even a symbolic protest as was proposed.

Sending across a strong message, Shah said safety and dignity of doctors at their work place was “non-negotiable”.

“It’s our collective responsibility to ensure conducive atmosphere for them at all times. I have assured doctors that the Narendra Modi government is committed to their cause,” the Home Minister appealed them to reconsider their proposed protest.

Expressing satisfaction at the interaction, the IMA said they were convinced with the assurances.

–IANS

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