In the wake of nationwide lockdown and avoid any untoward incidents, the central government has asked states and union territories to ensure uninterrupted movement of doctors and other healthcare workers.
Banning of their movements 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 neighbouring 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.
The home secretary said all states and UT governments should ensure that their field officials allow smooth movement of all medical professionals, nurses, para medical, sanitation personnel and ambulances.