Delhi Doctors’ Strike Enters 7th Day, Candle March Planned

Delhi Doctors’ Strike Enters 7th Day, Candle March Planned

Background: The ongoing strike by Delhi doctors has reached its seventh day, sparked by the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. This tragic incident has united doctors across India, leading to widespread protests demanding justice and improved safety measures for healthcare professionals.

Current Situation: On Sunday, doctors from various medical institutions in Delhi will gather for a candle march outside Gate 1 of Rajiv Chowk Metro Station at 6 pm. The march aims to raise public awareness about the dire need for stricter security protocols in hospitals. The protest, which began on Monday, has disrupted medical services, particularly non-emergency operations and outpatient departments (OPDs) at both government and private hospitals, including AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, and RML Hospital.

Impact on Healthcare Services:

  • Service Disruption: The strike has significantly impacted non-emergency services, including elective surgeries and diagnostic services. Patients across Delhi face delays and cancellations, adding to the strain on the healthcare system.
  • Emergency Services: Despite the strike, essential emergency services, such as Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and emergency surgeries, continue to operate to ensure critical care for patients in need.
  • Private Hospital Involvement: Following a call by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), personnel from private hospitals like Sir Ganga Ram, Fortis, and Apollo have joined the protests, amplifying the strike's impact on healthcare access.

Doctors' Demands: The primary demands from the protesting doctors include:

  1. Central Law for Doctors' Safety: Implementation of a central law to protect healthcare workers from violence.
  2. Secure Hospitals: Declaration of hospitals as safe zones with mandatory security measures.
  3. Justice for the Victim: Swift and thorough investigation of the Kolkata incident to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Government Response: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a notice promising the formation of a committee to recommend safety measures. However, the doctors' bodies have expressed dissatisfaction, citing previous failures of similar committees to produce significant outcomes. The strike will continue until their demands are met with concrete actions.

Conclusion: The Delhi doctors' strike underscores the pressing need for enhanced protection and safety measures for healthcare workers throughout India. As the strike continues, the call for justice and improved security protocols grows louder, with healthcare professionals across the nation uniting in their demands for change.