Pvt hospital doctors strike work against Kolkata rape-murder

Tribune Reporters

Faridabad/Gurugram, August 17

Doctors of the majority of private hospitals in Faridabad on Saturday observed a strike in protest against the rape and murder of a woman doctor in Kolkata. The strike was observed in response to a nationwide call given by the Indian Medical Association.

The OPD remained suspended and elective surgeries weren’t conducted. However, patients reporting in the emergency were attended, said a spokesperson of the district unit of the IMA here. Health services in all hospitals and nursing homes in this industrial city were adversely impacted.

More than 5,000 patients visit the OPDs of private hospitals here daily. Patients reporting at the OPD had to return as they were told that they had been non-functional due to the nationwide strike that had been called to ensure the safety and security of doctors.

Routine surgeries, diagnostic services and other health facilities remained suspended. Notices of strike were pasted outside the main gates of the hospitals to inform the patients and their kin, said a doctor.

IMA district president Dr Dinesh Gupta said the main demands raised by the doctors include the implementation of the Central Protection Act and trial of the accused in a fast-track court and a probe by the CBI in such incidents.

They said provision of proper safety of doctors working in the hospital was the need of the hour. The association took out a candle march in Sector 81 in the evening as a mark of protest and to demand justice. Meanwhile, Dr AK Pandey, Dean, ESIC Medical College and Hospital said besides the installation of CCTV cameras on the hospital premises, services of retired defence personnel would be roped in to provide safety and security to doctors and staff during the routine work.

Meanwhile in Gurugram, doctors of private hospitals went on strike today to protest the rape and murder of a junior resident doctor in Kolkata. At the call of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Gurugram, doctors closed OPD and operation services, besides emergency services.

The doctors, along with the members of lions’ club and other organisations, gathered at John Hall from where they took to the streets and demanded justice for the deceased doctor.

IMA’s district president Dr Ajay Sharma said all doctors would be on strike till 6 pm on Sunday and only emergency services will continue.