Keeping in view the increasing cases of violence against doctors in various parts of India, a group of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Gurugram, staged a protest and demanded Central Protection Act for health workers here.
Dr Vandana Narula, President IMA Gurugram, on Friday said we demand a zero tolerance on violence against health workers.
"Around 1,500 doctors have died in Covid pandemic and it is now time for a Central Protection Act for health workers so that anyone who attacks a doctor or breaks property in a hospital will be arrested under non bailable charges," she said.
Doctors from IMA Gurugram wore black masks and during the protest in leisure valley park and created awareness about the situation of doctors in India.
Dr Sarika Verma IMA Gurugram secretary said 88% doctors are afraid of violence at their workplace and every death becomes a cause of stress in the hospital.
"No one can ensure all patients will remain alive and it is important to understand that doctors are doing a very difficult job. There is no role for violence in a civilised society," Verma said.
Dr Karan Juneja said we junior doctors have spent 15 months wearing PPE kits and working in Covid duty when even patients own family members would not look after their patients. Nurses, cleaners, technicians, ambulance workers and junior doctors looked after patients till their last breath. Whenever one doctor gets hit, it impacts the mental health of doctors all over the country.
"Several doctors are hesitant to make their children doctors because of fear of assault inside hospitals. This violence has gone on too long and has to end now," said a doctor.
IMA members also submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister via DC Gurugram asking for Central Protection Act to be made. Doctors in Gurugram wore black masks and black armbands in their hospitals on Friday.