Union Health Ministry to form committee to ensure healthcare worker safety

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare assured representatives from the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), Indian Medical Association (IMA), and Resident Doctors’ Associations from government medical colleges and hospitals in Delhi of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals.

The meeting, convened in New Delhi, was in response to the recent assault on a resident doctor at RG Kar medical college and Hospital in Kolkata. During the discussions, the associations expressed their grave concerns about the safety and security of healthcare workers in their workplaces.

The Union Health Ministry acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing that the government is acutely aware of the situation and is treating it with utmost seriousness. The ministry also informed the representatives that 26 states have already enacted legislation aimed at protecting healthcare workers within their jurisdictions.

To address these concerns, the Ministry announced the formation of a committee tasked with developing measures to further safeguard healthcare professionals. This committee will comprise representatives from all relevant stakeholders, including state governments, ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach to the issue.

Additionally, the Ministry appealed to the agitating doctors to resume their duties, underscoring the critical importance of their work in light of the rising cases of dengue and malaria, and urging them to consider the broader public interest.