T’puram: Indian Medical Association (IMA), Kerala, has urged govt to grant a special holiday-duty allowance for doctors, other healthcare workers and hospital staff who are required to work on public holidays.The demand comes after govt sanctioned holiday-duty allowance to police.In a statement, IMA state president Dr M N Menon said healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, as well as hospital staff, provide services 365 days a year, around the clock.“Hospital operations do not come to a halt even for a moment on public holidays such as Onam, Vishu and Christmas,” he added.He said essential healthcare services, including emergency departments, intensive care units, operation theatres, labour rooms, casualty departments and ambulance services, have to function on holidays.“Doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, technicians, pharmacists, ambulance personnel and other hospital employees give up holidays that they would otherwise spend with their families in order to serve patients,” he said.“This is not merely a financial benefit; it would also be a deserving recognition by govt of the dedication and sacrifice of healthcare workers,” Menon added.Those who ensure the safety of society and those who protect its health deserve equal recognition for their services, he added.
