Doctors' Association for Social Equality

Press Release Date: 2.2.10

The 8th National Conference of the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) which began on 29th January 2010 with a peace rally outside Taj Mahal, called for complete abolition of nuclear weapons, check on the proliferation of small arms, resolution of issues through mutual dialogue, easing of travel to neighbouring countries by relaxation of VISA rules and diversion of funds from arms race to health, education and development. The conference set an agenda of action for International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), effective steps to prevent climate change and to work for a people oriented health policy. The conference was inaugurated by Dr.Vappu Taipale, Co-President International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) who lauded the efforts of the IDPD for sustainable peace in South Asia. Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat, former chief of Indian Navy in his address expressed skepticism that nuclear weapons will be abolished in near future as there is control of financial oligarchy on the institutions interested in arms race. The struggle therefore has to be against them. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Vinod Saighal said that the climate change is killing the world much faster than anything else. Therefore we must unite to combat this. Shri.Aziz Pasha-MP Rajya Sabha pointed out that India has a rich tradition of non violence and the great son of the soil Mahatma Gandhi whose martyrdom day falls on 30th January preached and practiced non violence which was a new concept of the contemporary world. Others who addressed the conference include Mrs.Amarjeet Kaur-National Secretary All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) on ‘Women’s Initiatives for Peace’, Shri.Praful Bidwai – eminent journalist on ‘Climate Change Challenges Ahead’ and Shri Arjun Dev – a prominent historian on ‘Growing Intolerance an Impediment to Peace’.

The medical students who participated in large number from various parts of the country gave their presentations on several issues related to the theme of the conference ‘Building Future through Peace and Non Violence’. An Ariel Video Conference was organized with Dr.Bernard Lown- Founder Co-President of IPPNW. Medical students put him several queries to which Dr.Lown replied.

Dr.Tejbir Singh and Dr.Shakeel Ur Rehman gave presentations on National Health Policy and Health Right Bill 2009. The consensus of the conference was that there has to be increase in public spending to ensure health care to each and every citizen. Conference also felt that whereas the health right bill is a step in the positive direction it requires amendments to ensure protection to the health providers. A committee will soon prepare a document which will be submitted to the health minister.

The conference also urged the central health ministry not to introduce 3.5 year BRMS course (Rural Doctor scheme) which will widen the gap between rural and urban people in getting quality medical care.

The conference elected a central council to carry on the affairs. Dr.L.S.Chawla was elected as President, Dr Surinder Singh Soodan, Dr.Nara Singh, Dr.Usha Shrivastav, Dr.Navinder Singh Bawa, Dr.Satyajit Kumar Singh, Dr.Tejbir Singh and Dr.Shanthi as Vice Presidents, Dr.Arun Mitra General Secretary, Dr G.R Ravindranath, Dr Janardhan Reddy, Dr.Shakeel Ur Rehman, Dr.Yudhisthir Dass, Dr.Sudhir Dhakre as Secretaries and Dr.Bharti Uppal as Finance Secretary. Mr.Arashdeep Singh and Ms.Soumya Shree were elected as Co-National Student Representatives.



Dr Arun Mitra

General Secretary

Indian Doctors For Peace and Development (IDPD)

139-E, Kitchlu Nagar,

Ludhiana - 141001

Punjab (India) Phone: +91 161 2300252, 2304360

Mobile: +91 94170 00360