In Meeting With IMA Representatives, Amit Shah Assures Doctors Of Security, Urges Them To Call Off Protest

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday met with a group of doctors and representatives of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), lauded their efforts and assured them of their security, officials said.

This comes amid reports of attacks on healthcare workers and assaults on some doctors engaged in COVID-19 duties in different parts of the country.

The home minister interacted with the doctors and the IMA through video-conferencing, a home ministry official said.

Shah appreciated their good work and assured them full security, he said.

The home minister appealed to them to not do even a symbolic protest as the government is with the doctors, the official said.

The IMA had announced it will observe April 23 as Black Day if the government fails to enact Central Law on violence against doctors and hospitals.

"If the government fails to enact Central Law on violence against doctors and hospitals even after White Alert, IMA will declare Black Day on April 23. Our legitimate needs for safe workplaces have to be met. Abuse and violence should stop immediately. White Alert to the nation - All doctors and hospitals to light a candle at 9 pm on 22 April, as protest and vigil," states a notice issued by the association.

There have been reports of doctors being abused, beaten and denied entry into residences.

Families of at least two doctors, who succumbed to the novel coronavirus in Shillong and Chennai, had faced opposition while performing their last rites as the locals claimed that burying them in their localities may lead to the spread of the infection. 

(With inputs from agencies)