BS RAWAT
NEW DELHI : The Indian Medical Association (IMA) awaits a formal communication from the Government of India on the Central Law Against Violence on Doctors and Hospitals.

“As there is no response from the Union Government on our demands, therefore, the agitation will continue as announced,” IMA’s Secretary General Dr R.V. Asokan said.

The doctors' body has sought a legislation that provides “a minimum of seven years’ imprisonment” for violence against doctors or hospitals and actions to ensure FIR, arrest and conviction of perpetrators.

All non-essential services in hospitals and other institutions, including outpatient departments, will be withdrawn for 24 hours starting 6 am on Monday, but emergency and casualty services will continue to function, the IMA said in a statement that condemned the attacks on doctors in Bengal.