Kolkata: The brutal rape and murder of a young doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata, followed by large-scale violence at the hospital on August 15, has sent shockwaves across the nation. The incident has sparked widespread anger, with protests erupting as the medical community and general public express their condemnation.
On August 15, a mob stormed the premises of R.G. Kar Medical College, vandalising hospital property, including the area where the victim’s body was discovered. The situation escalated to such an extent that several female doctors were subjected to physical violence. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has expressed deep concern over the incident, calling for immediate government intervention.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the IMA highlighted the severity of the situation. The association described how the postgraduate student of Chest Medicine was tragically assaulted on August 9 while on duty, a crime that has outraged both the medical fraternity and the wider public. The letter expressed particular alarm at the August 15 attack, stressing that female doctors are especially vulnerable to violence given the nature of their work. The IMA urged authorities to ensure the safety of medical professionals within hospital premises.
The tragic event has also raised awareness of the broader issues facing medical practitioners, including inadequate security and unsafe working environments. In response to the crisis, doctors across India have suspended non-essential services, attending only to emergency cases as a form of protest.
IMA’s Six Demands
The IMA has outlined six key demands in its letter to the Prime Minister:
- Enhanced Security Protocols: Hospital security should be elevated to the same standard as that of airports.
- Designation of Safe Zones: Hospitals should be declared safe zones with specific rights for security enforcement.
- Surveillance and Safety Measures: The installation of CCTV cameras, deployment of security personnel, and strict adherence to safety protocols in hospitals.
- Improvement of Living and Working Conditions for Resident Doctors.
- Timely and Thorough Investigation: A professional investigation into such crimes should be conducted within a specified timeframe to ensure justice.
- Fair Compensation for the Bereaved Family: The family of the victim should be awarded appropriate and dignified compensation that reflects the gravity of the crime.
The IMA underscored the importance of these measures for female doctors, who make up 60% of the country’s medical workforce. Additionally, women represent 68% of dental professionals, 75% of physiotherapists, and 85% of nurses in India. The letter argued that providing a secure and peaceful environment is essential for delivering healthcare services, particularly for female healthcare workers.
The letter concluded with a request for the Prime Minister’s “gentle intervention” to ensure these demands are met, thereby restoring confidence among the medical community and enhancing the safety of healthcare professionals.
As the investigation continues and protests grow, all eyes are on the government’s response to these urgent concerns.
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