States to ensure uninterrupted movement of the doctors, paramedics during lockdown- MHA

The Centre has asked states to ensure uninterrupted movement of doctors and other healthcare workers during the ongoing lockdown, saying curbs on them can lead?to severe constraints in rendering COVID and non-COVID medical services.

There have been reports of health care services being affected in some places including in the national capital after neighboring states closed down inter-state borders and barred movement of medical workers.

In a letter to chief secretaries of all states and union territories, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said inter-state movement of doctors and paramedics should be facilitated wherever required.

“Any restrictions on the movement of medical professionals and para-medical staff can lead to severe constraints in rendering COVID and non-COVID medical services.

“As such, ensuring unhindered movement of all such medical professionals is essential for meeting public health requirements and saving precious human lives,” .

he said in the letter

Bhalla said there have been reports of many private clinics and nursing homes not being allowed to open at several places.

Functioning of these medical facilities, which supplement the regular medical infrastructure, and relieve the burden on hospitals, is also crucial, he noted.

“I would urge all States and UTs to ensure that such clinics and nursing homes continue to function without any hindrances,”

he said.