Healthcare Heroes Unite: Padma Awardee Doctors Demand Justice and Safety Reforms

Over 70 Padma awardee doctors have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enact a special law to combat violence against healthcare personnel, following the tragic rape-murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. They demand immediate and harsh legal measures, improved safety protocols in medical facilities, and stricter enforcement of existing laws.

Over 70 Padma awardee doctors have expressed their distress over the recent rape-murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, calling for swift legal measures and enhanced safety protocols to protect healthcare personnel. These distinguished medical professionals have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking immediate legislative action and stricter enforcement of existing laws.

Among the signatories are renowned doctors such as Ashok Vaid, Harsh Mahajan, Anoop Misra, A K Grover, Alka Kriplani, and Mohsin Wali. They have urged the Prime Minister's 'immediate and personal intervention' to address the 'alarming' situation, suggesting that the government introduce an ordinance for the 'harshest possible punishment' for perpetrators of violence against healthcare workers, whether verbal or physical.

The plea follows widespread protests by healthcare personnel against the mishandling of the investigation into the incident at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College. The Indian Medical Association and other doctors' groups are pushing for a central law to ensure the safety of medical staff. The doctors also emphasized the urgent need for enhanced safety measures within medical institutions to prevent such atrocities.

(With inputs from agencies.)