Anguished at the brutal rape and murder of a resident doctor in Kolkata, Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) has announced that it has decided to indefinitely suspend all elective services starting Monday to protest against the violent act and demanded immediate action to ensure the safety and protection of healthcare workers.
The tragic incident involved a postgraduate trainee doctor who was found murdered at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The 32-year-old's semi-naked body was discovered in the hospital's seminar hall, prompting widespread outrage among the medical community.
Several prominent hospitals in Delhi, including Maulana Azad Medical College, RML Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, and GTB Hospital, have announced the halt of outpatient departments (OPDs), operation theatres (OTs), and ward duties.
FORDA President Dr. Aviral Mathur underscored the urgency of the strike, stressing that the safety of doctors must be a top priority to enable them to perform their essential duties without fear.
"We can no longer stand by while our safety is compromised. The recent horrific rape and murder of a fellow doctor on hospital premises is the final straw," Dr Mathur said.
"We are initiating an indefinite strike to demand immediate action and protection for all healthcare workers. Our ability to care for patients hinges on our own safety being ensured," he added.
Dr Mathur said the indefinite strike called in coordination with other doctor associations of the national capital will begin Monday morning.
Dr. Bharani Kumar, President of the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, echoed these concerns, urging for enhanced security measures, including the implementation of the 'Central Protection Act for Doctors' and increased surveillance in hospitals.
"We are deeply grieved by this heinous crime and demand an immediate, transparent investigation with severe punishment for those responsible," Dr Kumar said.
"The government must swiftly implement the 'Central Protection Act for Doctors' and enhance security measures across hospitals nationwide, including the installation of CCTV cameras in high-risk areas. Today it's Bengal, tomorrow it could be Delhi or any other part of the nation," he added.
We want implementation of the central protection Act for the doctors.
Also, the accused should be immediately arrested and a CBI probe should be conducted," said RDA RML president Dr Sarvesh Pandey.
Dr. Vipin K. Madhogarhia, President of the RDA at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Hospital, expressed solidarity with the victim and support for the nationwide suspension of elective services, highlighting the necessity of ensuring justice and addressing safety concerns without delay.
