Hindustan Times (Jalandhar)

Facilitate smooth movement of health staff: Govt to states

- HT Correspond­ent n letters@hindustant­imes.com

NEW DELHI:

The ministry of home Affairs has asked the state government­s to ensure there are no restrictio­ns on the movement of medical profession­als and paramedica­l staff, saying curbs on them can lead to severe constraint­s in rendering COVID and non-COVID medical services.

There were reports of complaints from healthcare workers about local authoritie­s and police not allowing their free movement during the ongoing lockdown.

In an order issued on Monday, the MHA asked states and Union territorie­s to ensure that their field officials allow smooth movement of all medical profession­als, nurses, paramedica­l, sanitation personnel and ambulances.

“...existing staff also have to render normal responsibi­lities, such as conducting immunisati­on programmes, handling the onset of vector and seasonal diseases, and meeting other nonCOVID emergencie­s,” it said.

The letter signed by home secretary Ajay Bhalla also said there were reports of private clinics and nursing homes not being allowed to open. “The functionin­g of these medical facilities is crucial. I would urge all states and UTs to ensure that such clinics and nursing homes continue to function,” the letter said.

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