Medics Rally for Safety After Trainee Doctor's Tragic Death

In response to the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, hundreds of medics have staged protests demanding better safety measures and the implementation of a central law to protect healthcare personnel. The demonstrations have impacted non-emergency medical services across various hospitals in the city.

'I don't want to be the next victim,' read placards carried by women medics during a march held on Saturday. They protested against the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata last week.

Hundreds of doctors and resident doctors, wearing stethoscopes and white aprons, initiated their march from the Lady Hardinge Medical College. This marks the sixth day of their agitation demanding a central law to curb violence against healthcare workers. Upon reaching Connaught Place, they staged a 25-minute sit-in before proceeding to Jantar Mantar for a candlelight vigil.

The protests have disrupted non-emergency services, including OPD and elective surgeries, at major hospitals like AIIMS and Safdarjung. Private institutions such as Sir Ganga Ram, Fortis, and Apollo joined the protests, following a call by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) for a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency services on Sunday.

'As you are aware, in light of the heinous incident at R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata, involving a resident doctor, the residents of our institute are on strike, demanding the urgent implementation of a Central Protection Act to ensure a safe environment for practising doctors,' stated the Faculty Association of AIIMS (FAIMS) in a letter to AIIMS-Delhi's director. The IMA has also called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and ensure safety measures for healthcare professionals, including a central law to check violence and better overall working conditions for resident doctors.

(With inputs from agencies.)