Latest news with #DilipBhanushali
Mint
09-05-2025
- Health
- Mint
Doctors' associations step into war-footing mode amid India-Pakistan tension; IMA writes to PM offering full support
New Delhi: Doctors across the country are gearing up to handle medical emergencies that may arise in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack and the retaliatory strike codenamed Operation Sindoor this week. The Indian Medical Association, the country's largest grouping with 400,000 doctors, has activated its disaster management committee. 'We have alerted all doctors across all states/Union Territories,' said Dr Dilip Bhanushali, national president of the IMA. 'We have written to the Prime Minister offering full support to the government and are prepared to serve the nation. Our network of qualified, skilled and experienced medical professionals are available to extend all necessary healthcare support and services during this time of national emergency.' The IMA is working in coordination with the ministry of health to provide medical care, support and emergency responses. 'We are going to organise special medical teams, blood donation drives, emergency response units and mental health support initiatives,' Dr Bhanushali said. Special arrangements are being made for blood donation, stocking up on medicines and getting adequate ambulances and surgical equipment. Doctors in the southern states have been sensitised to participate in the medical emergency plan. In its letter to the PM, the IMA said its doctors are ready to deal with any emergency in the border states of Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir. Pakistan increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using mortars and heavy calibre artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu & Kashmir, the defence ministry said on Thursday. Sixteen lives were lost, including three women and five children, due to the Pakistani firing. The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA), which represents resident doctors' associations, has called for urgent action for national medical emergency preparedness. It suggested that resident doctors' associations and state medical associations ensure that all health facilities maintain essential medicines, beds, and critical care resources for potential casualties. 'Form rapid response teams in each state with specialised medical personnel,' said Dr Manish Jangra, chairman of FAIMA. 'We call upon all citizens to participate in blood donation drives organised by local medical facilities.' The Resident Doctors Association at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi also has similar plans to deal with an emergency situation and safeguard lives. Dr Indra Shekhar Prasad, president of the AIIMS RDA, said the resident doctors of the country's premier medical institute reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to national service and will extend all medical and logistical support to soldiers and civilians. 'We will refrain from taking personal leave and remain fully available for service,' Dr Prasad added.
New Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
IMA hails Operation Sindoor; pledges full support to armed forces, national security efforts
NEW DELHI: Congratulating the Indian Armed Forces for Operation Sindoor, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Wednesday said it's over four lakh members are committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces, government agencies, and citizens to ensure the health and safety of the nation. 'Indian Medical Association (IMA), the largest association of doctors practising modern system of medicine in India, representing over 4 lakh doctors across 1,800 local branches and 32 state branches, expresses its heartfelt congratulations to the Indian Armed Forces for their decisive and courageous action - Operation Sindoor - in response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam,' said a statement. India carried out 24 precision cruise missile strikes at nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) in response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam last month, in which 26 tourists were killed. 'As an organisation with deep-rooted commitment to the values of service, duty, and nation-building, IMA stands in full solidarity with the government of India, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji,' the statement by IMA's National President, Dr Dilip Bhanushali and Honorary Secretary General, Dr Sarbari Dutta, said.
Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Operation Sindoor: Orange alert issued, military hospitals in Pune step up vigilance
Military hospitals in Pune have stepped up vigilance and are taking measures to address a developing or a potential critical situation after an Orange alert – as per which authorities have to 'Be Prepared' – was issued in the wake of Operation Sindoor on Wednesday. Security has been augmented around the premises of the three top Armed Forces hospitals, besides increasing surveillance and monitoring personnel and patients. Informed sources said that the transition has been smooth, thanks to the implementation of a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Strict security measures and thorough assessments of the premises have been enforced, with authorities verifying even the identity cards of personnel in uniform. Disaster drills are being conducted both during the day and at night to ensure preparedness. Pune is home to three top Armed Forces hospitals: Command Hospital, Southern Command; Army Institute of Cardio-Thoracic Sciences; and Military Hospital, Kirkee. These are large, well-equipped hospitals providing a wide range of medical services. The Artificial Limb Centre is also a premier tri-services institution of the Armed Forces and was set up to provide prosthetic limbs to soldiers injured in combat. The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), also located in Pune, is a premier medical institute and provides training to graduate, post-graduate, and post-doctoral medical and nursing students. An Orange alert indicates a high likelihood of a significant security threat or disaster, though not yet at a critical level. It triggers heightened security protocols and proactive emergency response preparations. As part of these measures, random security checks are conducted across the hospital premises. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) clearly outlines the duties of each staff member, detailing responsibilities across departments such as first aid, MRI, and other units. In the event of a surge in casualties, the SOP also includes a comprehensive crisis bed expansion management plan to accommodate increased patient load. As part of the preparedness measures, doctors are expected to be available on call at all times. The military hospital authorities also coordinate with civic agencies and ensure that there is adequate stock of medical supplies. ICU facilities are maintained to manage serious cases effectively, according to sources. IMA reaffirms readiness to provide healthcare support Dr Dilip Bhanushali, national president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), told The Indian Express that 4 lakh members of the association, across 1,800 local branches and 32 state branches in the country, have extended full solidarity with the Centre on Operation Sindoor. 'In this critical hour, the entire medical fraternity at IMA has reaffirmed the readiness to serve the country. We are fully prepared to provide all necessary healthcare services. Our members are committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with our Armed forces, government agencies to ensure the health and safety of the nation,' Dr Bhanushali said.
