IMA Withdraws 'White Alert' Protest By Doctors After Assurance From Amit Shah On Security Issues

Amit Shah sent out a strong message against the attackers and he condemned the recent attacks on healthcare professionals. Shah said the Prime Minister is closely following all the issues and concerns of the doctors

(PTI Photo)

New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Wednesday called off its nationwide symbolic protest against violent attacks on the medical fraternity amid COVID-19 pandemic after getting an assurance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday held an interaction with doctors and particularly with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) through video conferencing, leading the IMA to "withdraw" its proposed protests scheduled on April 22 and 23.

Health Minister @drharshvardhan and I interacted with doctors & representatives of IMA through video conferencing.

The way our doctors are performing their duties in these testing times is exceptional. I urge every Indian to cooperate with doctors in this fight against COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/DCHONTWNs3 — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 22, 2020

The Home Minister praised their work and he also assured them of their security. During the meeting, he appealed to them not to do the symbolic protest as earlier proposed and said government is with the doctors. This comes in the wake of a few incidents where doctors and medical staff were attacked, in different parts of India.

Safety and dignity of our doctors at their work place is non-negotiable. It is our collective responsibility to ensure conducive atmosphere for them at all times.

I have assured doctors that Modi govt is committed to their cause and appealed to reconsider their proposed protest. pic.twitter.com/AJcxghGRkx — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 22, 2020

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) in a statement expressed satisfaction stating they are convinced with the assurances. "It is expressed that in this period of global crisis...such protest will send a bad signal of the unity of our country...," It added that it has decided to withdraw the proposed White alert protest on 22nd and Black Day on 23rd to "maintain unity and integrity of our country".

#ImportantAlert - High powered meeting held today morning under chairmanship of Hon. Shri Amit Shah with #IMA leaders pic.twitter.com/Fzh6MOAj9i

— Indian Medical Association (@IMAIndiaOrg) April 22, 2020

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan was also present in the video conferencing with doctors. Later Shah tweeted: "The way our doctors are performing their duties in these testing times is exceptional. I urge every Indian to cooperate with doctors in this fight against COVID-19." Amit Shah sent out a strong message against the attackers and he condemned the recent attacks on healthcare professionals. Shah said the Prime Minister is closely following all the issues and concerns of the doctors. The minister further added that the safety and dignity of doctors at their workplace is "non-negotiable". It is our collective responsibility to ensure a conducive atmosphere for them at all times. I have assured doctors that the Modi government is committed to their cause and appealed to reconsider their proposed protest.