Spotlight back on docs’ safety after misconduct with junior resident

A recent incident of misconduct with a junior resident doctor while she was returning to her hostel after finishing her late evening shift at the hospital on the premises of the Government Medical College here has once again put spotlight on the lack of safety at the workplace.

It’s more astonishing as the incident occurred when the whole country is in shock after the rape and murder of a resident doctor in a Kolkata hospital. There have been growing concerns over the safety of women medical practitioners. The incident occurred on late Monday evening around 10 pm when the woman doctor was going to her hostel just 200 metre away from the hospital building when unknown persons on a bike stopped her and misbehaved with her.

The victim had complained of inappropriate touch by the suspects to the police after which a case against was registered. However, it has not helped instil a sense of security among women doctors as many of them have to shuttle between hostel and the hospital during the night shift and to attend emergency calls.

Resident doctors at the college stated that during their weeklong protest after the Kolkata incident many politicians from the ruling party had visited the hospital and promised to ensure their safety. “Obviously, they have failed to keep their promise.

Had safety measures been taken, this incident would have never occurred,” said a woman doctor.

Another resident doctor at the hospital said the passage from the hospital to girls’ hostel should be secured by installing flash lights, CCTV cameras and deputing security personnel. “Such incidents worry our parents and us. It’s a shame that the government is not doing enough to fulfil its promises,” she said.