Doctors Nationwide Protest Against Assault on Woman Trainee Doctor

In response to the horrifying incident involving the sexual assault and murder of a female post-graduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, doctors and medical students across India have mobilized to protest and demand justice. The tragic event has sparked nationwide outrage, leading the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) to call for a shutdown of Outpatient Department (OPD) services in solidarity with the victim.

National Protests and Solidarity: At AIIMS Delhi, doctors and medical students gathered in large numbers to voice their concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals, particularly women, in their workplaces. Dr. Indra Shekhar Prasad, President of the Resident Doctors Association at AIIMS Delhi, expressed deep distress over the incident, questioning how women can continue to work in an environment where such heinous acts can occur. He emphasized the importance of a secure workplace and highlighted the association's demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case. The strike, he noted, will persist until the authorities provide written assurances regarding the implementation of the Central Protection Act, which is aimed at safeguarding healthcare professionals.

Spread of Protests Across the Country: The wave of protests extended beyond Delhi, with demonstrations taking place in various cities, including Mumbai and Nagpur. At Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in Delhi, medical staff echoed the demand for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. In Mumbai, doctors staged protests at major hospitals, while in Nagpur, medical students and doctors gathered at the Government Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) to express their anger and demand justice.

Voices from the Medical Community: Dr. Akshay Dongardive, General Secretary of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), drew parallels between this case and the infamous Nirbhaya incident, calling it a stark reminder of the dangers that women face even in professional settings. He emphasized that all resident doctors across government hospitals in Maharashtra have suspended services as a mark of protest, though emergency services remain operational to ensure patient care.

In Nagpur, Dr. Diksha Bajaj from GMCH voiced her concerns, stating that doctors spend most of their time in hospitals, which they consider a second home. The thought that they might not be safe in their workplace is both alarming and unacceptable. The protests, she said, are not just about seeking justice for the deceased doctor, but also about ensuring that such incidents never happen again. The medical community is united in its demand for justice and enhanced safety measures for healthcare professionals.

Call for Immediate Action: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also stepped in, urging Union Health Minister JP Nadda to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the conditions that led to this tragic incident. The IMA has called for immediate steps to improve the safety and security of doctors, particularly women, within their workplaces.

Conclusion: The incident at RG Kar Medical College has highlighted the urgent need for a safer working environment for healthcare professionals in India. As doctors and medical students across the country continue their protests, the call for justice grows louder. The demands for a CBI probe and stronger protective measures underscore the medical community's determination to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated and that healthcare professionals, especially women, can work in a secure and supportive environment.