IMA withdraws April 23 ‘symbolic protest ‘following HM Amit Shah’s assurance for medics’ protection

Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called off its symbolic protest on April 23 against attacks on doctors across the country after Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured them of full support on Wednesday. ’Considering the immediate high-level response of government and solid assurances given by the Home Minister himself, it is decided that the White alert protest of April 22 and Black Day of April 23 stand withdrawn to maintain the unity and integrity of our country,” IMA said in an official statement. Shah along with Union Health Minister Harshvardhan held a video-conference with the doctors and representatives of the IMA. Addressing the doctors, the Home Minister empathized with the medics and paramedics who in various states are being attacked while fighting ncoronavirus and assured them to ensure protection. He appreciated  dedication and services of the healthcare workers when the nation is facing an unprecedented crisis. Safety and dignity of our doctors at their workplace is non-negotiable. It is our collective responsibility to ensure a conducive atmosphere for them at all times, HM Amit Shah said. I have assured doctors that Modi govt is committed to their cause and appealed to reconsider their proposed protest. The IMA was planning to stage protests against assaults on some doctors and healthcare workers engaged in COVID-19 duties. 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 might the spreading virus.

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