Doctors Protest in Amritsar Leads to Increased Security in Central Government Hospitals
The Union Health Ministry has announced a 25% increase in security personnel in all central government hospitals across India. Additionally, Marshalls will be deployed for immediate security assistance based on individual hospital demands. This decision follows several days of protests by resident doctors.
Statements from Officials
Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra stated, “There will be a 25% increase in security personnel in all Central Government Hospitals. Deployment of Marshalls in central government hospitals for immediate security-related assistance would also be approved based on individual demands from central govt hospitals.”
Ministry officials clarified that the RG Kar incident was not related to patient-doctor violence and that existing laws already cover crimes and rapes. They noted that 26 states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Assam, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka, have passed laws to protect healthcare personnel.
Doctors’ Demands and Government Response
Doctors across the country are demanding an ordinance on the Central Protection Act. Several meetings have been held with Union ministry officials to address these concerns. A committee, chaired by the Director-General of Health Services (DGHS), will be formed to look into various aspects of security and facilities for resident doctors, such as duty rooms and working conditions.
Officials have urged doctors to call off their strike, stating, “We have urged the doctors to call off their strike.”
Doubts Revealed
Union Health Ministry -: This is a part of the Indian government that takes care of health and family welfare in the country.
Central Government Hospitals -: These are hospitals that are run by the Indian government, not by private companies or state governments.
Marshalls -: Marshalls are special security officers who help keep places safe and handle any trouble quickly.
Resident Doctors -: These are doctors who are still training in a hospital after finishing their basic medical degree.
Union Health Secretary -: This is a high-ranking official in the Indian government who helps manage health policies and programs.
Apurva Chandra -: He is the person currently serving as the Union Health Secretary in India.
RG Kar incident -: This refers to a specific event at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, but it was not about doctors and patients fighting.