The Federation of Resident Doctor’s Association (FORDA) has given a call for observing June 1 as a ‘Black Day’ to protest Ramdev’s remarks against allopathic medicines and their practitioners. During this period, “the patients’ care would not be hampered by the day-long protest,” FORDA assured.
In a statement, FORDA said, “the call had been given to condemn the derogatory and distasteful statements made by Baba Ramdev.”
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has once again questioned the legitimacy of COVID-19 vaccines, claiming, “He hasn’t taken a jab as he enjoys the dual cover of yoga and Ayurveda.”
Ramdev further claimed, “The fatalities caused by the pandemic showed that allopathy was not 100 per cent effective. For decades, I have been practising yoga and Ayurveda, so I didn’t feel the need to get vaccinated. Over 100 crore people of India as well as in foreign countries have access to these ancient therapies. In the times to come, Ayurveda will be globally accepted.”
FORDA further said that unless Ramdev issues an unconditional open public apology, action against him will be taken under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 according to the news agency ANI.
The India Medical Association (IMA) strongly objected to Ramdev’s statement and demanded that Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan initiate action against him. The IMA also urged the minister to either accept Ramdev’s accusations and “dissolve the modern medicine facility” or book him under the Epidemic Diseases Act.
The Doctors Association Jammu (DAI) expressed solidarity with FORDA and said it will also join the protest. In an appeal to Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha, the DAJ said, “Necessary action should be taken against Ramdev for his irresponsible and despicable public statement.”
