The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has directed that no leave of any kind to any official will be granted and already granted leaves stands cancelled. | FP Photo
In the light of escalating tensions on the India and Pakistan border, the medical fraternity in the country have been ordered for emergency preparedness. In an order of May 9, the Health and Family Welfare Ministry has directed that no leave of any kind to any official will be granted and already granted leaves stands cancelled. The order states to the officials to resume duties immediately.
The BMC’s General Secretary of Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctor’s (MARD) Dr Abhishek Dongardive said that the Central government’s order is applicable to all public hospitals. “The resident doctors practically run the government hospitals. We are waiting for instructions from the state government, which are expected anytime soon. Meanwhile, we have forwarded the central health ministry’s order to resident doctors to be prepared for leave cancellations.”
“Only Mumbai has anywhere between 6,000 to 8,000 resident doctors, who are now waiting for specific instructions. We are ready to cancel all leaves and ready for service to our nation,” Dr Dongardive said.
The letter states that, “In the view of emerging circumstances, no leave/vacation leave including station leave is to be granted, except for medical grounds, to Directorate of General Health Services (Dte GHS) and Subordinate Offices, Institutions and Hospitals under Dte GHS till further orders. Further, already sanctioned leaves, stands cancelled. And officers who are on leave may be directed to resume their duties immediately.”
Dr Dongardive who is also Vice President of Federal of All India Medical Association (FIAMA) said in the light of escalating border tensions, the FIAMA has called for National Medical Emergency Preparedness.
In a letter issued by FIAMA on May 9, it has convened and suggested actions plan for each Resident Doctors Association and State Medical Association. The urgent actions includes: Emergency Preparedness – ensuring all facilities maintenance essential medicines, beds and critical care resources for potential casualties. Coordination Systems- eastablishing direct communication system with local authorities and FAIMA committee and coordinators. And Disaster Response – having rapid response team with medical personnel.
FAIMA has also suggested the medical fraternity to organise blood donation camps, to ensure hospitals are prepared to support brave armed forces and civilian needs.
Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association’s Maharashtra unit has urged doctors in the state to remain on high alert and fully prepared to provide emergency services to citizens amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
“In moments of national crisis, the strength of our healthcare system lies not in infrastructure alone, but in the readiness and spirit of its doctors,” said Dr Santosh Kadam, president of IMA’s state chapter, in a statement.
