Doctors' bodies call on medical fraternity to gear up

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pledging its complete support during this critical time. The association has offered to mobilize special medical teams, conduct blood donation drives, establish emergency response units, and launch mental health support programs as necessary.

As tensions escalate, healthcare professionals are aligning resources to ensure timely medical assistance in any scenario that may unfold. “IMA has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the Government of India in every situation of crisis, be it public health emergencies, natural disasters, or national calamities. We are mindful of the evolving a geopolitical scenario and the possibility of a national emergency in the form of a proposed war. We wish to assure you that the entire medical fraternity under the banner of IMA stands with the Government and is prepared to serve our country. Our network of qualified, skilled, and experienced medical professionals is available to extend all necessary healthcare support and services during the time of crisis or national emergency,” the association stated in the letter.

“IMA supports the Government of India for any eventuality in the event of a national emergency and reaffirms our pledge to work in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, to provide medical care, support emergency responses, and contribute to the national resilience at this critical juncture. Kindly consider IMA as a dedicated partner in safeguarding the health and morale of our people during these testing times,” stated the letter signed by Dr Dilip Bhanushali, national president of the IMA.

Jaipur Association of Resident Doctors (JARD) with more than 2000 PG resident doctors working under SMS Medical College, Jaipur, has also taken an important initiative by writing a letter to the South Western Command (South Western Command, Jaipur) of the Indian Army and offering to provide voluntary medical service in any possible national emergency situations. All the members took a pledge in one voice that, in the national interest, they are fully prepared to work inspired by the same spirit in which the doctors served the nation by staying on the front line during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve the country.

Talking to Medical Dialogues, Dr. Akhil Sarin, President of Punjab Civil Medical Association (PCMS) stated, “As far as manpower, infrastructure, and equipment are concerned, we are fully equipped to fight any medical emergency in Punjab. As per the instructions of the state, the heads of all departments and the officers/employees working in several medical facilities are not leaving their stations. We are ensuring our immediate presence whenever required.”

In Uttar Pradesh, the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of KGMU has given a call to the state doctors for medical readiness in Service to the nation. Pressing for medical emergency preparedness, the association pointed out that all hospitals must be equipped with critical care resources, emergency medicines, and ICU beds to be ready for any mass casualty scenario. Moreover, each RDA in the state has been requested to constitute specialized emergency medical units comprising residents from various departments, trained and prepared for immediate deployment. Establishing direct contact with local health authorities and inter-RDA networks for fast information exchange and synchronized response has also been given importance.

“We are proud to announce the mobilization of blood donation camps led by resident doctors across KGMU. We call upon all RDAs in UP to initiate similar drives in their institutions and localities. This vital step ensures our hospitals remain ready to save lives, both of our soldiers and our citizens. To our defenders at the borders – you are not alone,” stated a press release signed by KGMU RDA President Dr Divyansh Singh. Medical associations like the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) also stood in solidarity and directed the doctors to ensure emergency preparedness, disaster response, and proper coordination during these times of emergency. 

Medical Dialogues recently reported that in light of the evolving situation between India and Pakistan, and following India’s retaliatory actions, IMA Gujarat had already called upon its members to be on standby for emergency medical deployment. In an official circular addressed to all state committee members and local branches, the association urged doctors, medical specialists, and paramedics to be ready for any medical emergencies, particularly those involving surgical and intensive care.