AMID THE stand-off between the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government and a section of members of the medical fraternity in Bengal, the TMC has formed a new association to “work as a bridge between the government and medical fraternity”.

The association, announced on Monday, has invited membership from doctors, nurses, and health workers. On Monday, state minister Shashi Panja launched the Progressive Health Association (PHA) and announced its 10 objectives, including healthcare reforms, opposition to cease-work at govt hospitals, zero tolerance for violence and vandalism, advocacy for strict anti-hooliganism laws, and strengthening coordination between the government and medical community.

The minister in the press conference said that Trinamool’s existing doctors’ body, called the Progressive Doctors’ Association (PDA), would be merged with PHA, and they would be directly in touch with the health department (Swasthya Bhavan) following CM Mamata Banerjee’s nod. The first executive body meeting of the PHA will be held on February 8.