The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has urged protesting doctors to return to their duties, citing the urgent need to address the rising cases of dengue and malaria across the country. In a statement released on Saturday, the ministry acknowledged the concerns of the medical community, particularly regarding their safety following the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.According to recent developments, to address these concerns, the ministry announced the formation of a committee dedicated to ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals. This committee will include representatives from all relevant stakeholders, including state governments, who will be invited to provide their suggestions and insights.#HealthForAllUnion Health Ministry assures Doctors of all possible efforts to ensure safety.A committee to be formed to suggest measures for ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals. https://t.co/AKVCmsRJFG— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) August 17, 2024As per the official press release, the ministry also assured that the demands and concerns raised by the Federation of Resident Doctors Associations (FORDA), the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and the Resident Doctors Associations of Government Medical Colleges and Hospitals in Delhi have been heard. The government has promised to take all necessary steps to safeguard healthcare workers.In light of the recent incident, where a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a nationwide strike beginning Saturday, August 17. This strike is anticipated to be the largest in over a decade, leading to the closure of most hospital departments. The press note also said that it has been observed that almost 26 states have also passed the legislation for the protection of the health workers in their respective state. Apart from this, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has also raised concerns about possible tampering with evidence, alleging that the crime scene at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital underwent sudden renovations following the incident.As tensions rise, the government is working to balance the critical healthcare needs of the nation with the legitimate safety concerns of its medical professionals.
