The members of the Indian Medical Association, Mizoram state unit joined the rest of the country in the nationwide strike on Monday withdrawing non-essential services for 12 hours from 6 am to 6 pm throughout the State.
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Over 100 doctors gathered at the Civil Hospital grounds at 9 am on Monday morning to hold a peaceful demonstration and show their solidarity with their West Bengal colleagues.
Dr Rosangluaia, president, IMA Mizoram State Branch said violence against doctors and hospitals have reached a level that they are not only a law and order problem but they are debasing the entire healthcare services of the country.
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A statement released by the association stated, “Safety and security have been a matter of great concern and need to be addressed and ensured. Indian Medical Association has been demanding a national law against hospital violence. IMA has declared a zero-tolerance policy against violence on doctors, healthcare staff and healthcare establishments. World Medical Association has also passed a resolution against violence on healthcare establishments and has urged to bring strong legislation against this menace.”
As no such incidents of physical violence have been experienced by the medical personnel in the state of Mizoram, Dr C T Chhunga, president, Mizoram Government Doctors Association appealed the Mizo public to continue the goodwill and refrain from such acts.
On June 11, a student doctor interning at the NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata was allegedly attacked by the relatives of a recently deceased patient at the hospital. Also, Dr Paribaha Mukharjee was allegedly hit with a brick on his head, leaving him with a fractured skull.
These incidents led to a mass outrage across the nation. The doctors in West Bengal threatened a mass resignation if no action was taken.
The outrage led to the Indian Medical Association to call for a nationwide protest with withdrawal of non-essential services.
In Mizoram, the protest was joined by members of the Indian Dental Association, Trained Nurses Association, Mizoram Ayush Doctors Association, Physiotherapist Association of Mizoram, Mizoram Government Doctors Association and others.
The IMA Mizoram chapter has over 720 members.