Doctors Continue Protests, Demand Workplace Safety Amid Nationwide Stir

Doctors Continue Protests, Demand Workplace Safety Amid Nationwide Stir

Prolonged Protests and Their Significance

On the tenth day of their indefinite strike, resident doctors from various medical institutions in New Delhi gathered at Jantar Mantar to continue their protest, despite the Supreme Court's appeal to return to work. This demonstration is a direct response to the recent tragic incident in Kolkata, where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered, an event that has ignited nationwide outrage among healthcare professionals.

Key Points and Demands:

  • Continuing the Strike: The doctors have vowed to persist with their strike until their demands for a central law to protect health workers are met. They argue that while emergency services are still being provided, the safety and well-being of healthcare workers cannot be compromised any longer.
  • Gratitude and Determination: A doctor from Lady Hardinge Medical College expressed gratitude towards the Supreme Court for recognizing the gravity of the situation. However, she insisted that the strike would not end until concrete actions, rather than mere promises, were taken to ensure the safety of medical professionals.
  • Slogans of Resistance: The protesting doctors, united under various associations, raised slogans like "Nahi chalegi, nahi chalegi tanashahi nahi chalegi" and "Shauk nahin, majboori hai; ye hadtal zaroori hai," emphasizing their resolve to fight against the perceived tyranny and the necessity of the strike.

FAIMA's Petition to the Supreme Court:

  • Security and Working Conditions: The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) filed a petition with the Supreme Court, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security and better working conditions, particularly for women doctors who face significant threats in their line of duty.
  • Key Interventions Sought: FAIMA's petition calls for several critical measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras in sensitive hospital areas, adherence to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, and the inclusion of resident doctors in the national task force formed by the Supreme Court. They also demand secure resting areas and equitable bed-to-doctor ratios until the task force's recommendations are fully implemented.

The Broader Impact:

This ongoing protest reflects a broader demand for systemic change in the healthcare sector, with a focus on ensuring the safety and dignity of all medical professionals. The doctors' unified stance underscores the urgency of their demands and the potential impact on public health if their concerns are not addressed promptly.