Delhi Resident Doctors Halt Elective Services Indefinitely in Protest

Delhi Resident Doctors Halt Elective Services Indefinitely in Protest

Resident doctors at major government hospitals across Delhi have announced an indefinite halt to all elective services starting Monday, following the brutal rape and murder of a resident doctor in Kolkata. Dr. Aviral Mathur, President of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), stressed that ensuring the safety of doctors is essential for them to perform their critical duties without fear. The recent horrific incident, which occurred on hospital premises, has spurred the doctors to demand immediate action and better protection for all healthcare workers.

Dr. Bharani Kumar, president of the resident doctors’ associations (RDA) at Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, stated that they would shut down all elective services, including outpatient department (OPD) services, elective surgeries, and ward duties starting Monday. He expressed deep grief over the crime and called for an immediate, transparent investigation with severe penalties for those responsible. The RDA also urged the government to implement the ‘Central Protection Act for Doctors’ and enhance security measures across hospitals nationwide, including installing CCTV cameras in high-risk areas.

Key Points:

  • Resident doctors across Delhi are set to halt elective services indefinitely from Monday.
  • They demand immediate action and stronger protection measures for healthcare workers.
  • The horrific incident in Kolkata has highlighted severe security deficiencies in hospitals.
  • RDAs of various medical colleges and hospitals in Delhi are united in their demands for justice and safety.
  • The body of the 32-year-old victim was found in RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, and the accused has been arrested.

On Saturday, several resident doctors' associations held a candlelight march, calling for a thorough investigation and a CBI inquiry into the incident. The RDAs of Maulana Azad Medical College, RML Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, and GTB Hospital have also announced the suspension of elective services in solidarity with their fellow doctors.