Against the backdrop of the denial of burial to a doctor in Tamil Nadu by locals and within hours of the Government’s move to bring in an Ordinance to protect the frontline workers, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday directed States and Union Territories to take strict action against those who obstruct the performance of last rites of Covid warriors. It asked them to appoint Nodal Officers at State/UT level and at dist levels and who would be available 24x7 to redress any safety issue on the functioning of medical professionals.
They should also take immediate and strict action in case any incident of violence takes place, the MHA maintained.
This is the fourth letter by the Centre to the States in the last one month to ensure adequate protection to healthcare professionals, medical staff and frontline workers by augmenting their safety and security cover.
“Strict action must be taken against those who obstruct performance of last rites of medical professionals or frontline healthcare workers succumbing to COVID19, while discharging their services,†Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla wrote in his letter to the States.
“In spite of the said communications, some incidents of violence have been reported from different parts of the country against healthcare professionals/frontline workers. It is evident that at this time, any single incident of violence against healthcare professionals is likely to create a sense of insecurity amongst the entire healthcare community,†he said.
He also cited the Supreme Court’s directions on April 8 to the Centre and respective States/Union Territories and respective police authorities to provide necessary police security to doctors and medical staff in hospitals and places where patients who have been diagnosed Covid-19 or patients suspected of the disease -19 or those quarantined are housed. “Further, the Court directed to provide necessary police security to doctors and other medical staff who visit places to conduct screening of people to find out symptoms of disease,†he pointed out.
“In line with the Supreme Court directions and provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, MHA has urged upon all State/UT and District authorities to invoke the provisions of the Act, or any other law in force, to take strict penal action against the offenders, who obstruct Government health officials, or other health professionals and/ or related persons, who are authorized under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, in the discharge of their lawful services,†an MHA communique stated.
The States/UTs have been requested to widely publicize details of preventive measures taken and appointment of Nodal Officers, amongst the medical fraternity, including the local chapters of the IMA, as well as to the public at large, to ensure compliance at ground level.
