Services hit as doctors protest against Kolkata rape-murder
Manav Mander
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, August 16
As a mark of protest, the outpatient department (OPD) at all government run hospitals, Aam Aadmi Clinics and rural dispensaries remained suspended in Ludhiana today. A protest march was also taken out by doctors at the Civil Hospital here. Emergency and medico-legal services, however, continued to remain functional.
The protest was held in response to the gruesome rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
The protest call was given by the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) to demand expeditious justice for the victim, central protection Act for healthcare professionals and adequate security arrangements at public healthcare facilities of the state.
“In line with its zero tolerance stance towards violence against healthcare professionals and its steadfast commitment towards ensuring their safety, the PCMSA urged the government to walk the talk on the issue by ensuring a safe, secure and conducive environment, effectively aimed at providing seamless healthcare delivery services to the people of the state,” said Akhil Sareen, state president of the PCMS Association Punjab.
In solidarity with the victim and to express our outrage over the brutal crime. The suspension of services is a symbolic protest to demand swift and stringent action against the perpetrators of the crime and press for stronger protection for all medical professionals, particularly women, in their workplaces, said Dr JP Narula, from the Federation of Association of Rural Medical Officers of Punjab.
“The saviours of other people’s lives are trying to save their own lives today. What happened in Kolkata is shameful for the entire country. Medical staff work day and night, without caring about any festival or special day and this is the treatment we get. It’s totally unacceptable,” said Anu, who works as a nurse.
Since doctors were on strike, patients had a difficult time, especially those who came from far-off places to the Civil Hospital.
Ishrat, a patient, got discharged from the Civil Hospital today but when she reached the pharmacy to get medicines, it was shut.
Another patient, who had come to consult doctor at the Orthopaedic Department found the room of the doctor locked. “I had come from Payal and now had to come again tomorrow, he said.
IMA to observe strike today
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has given a strike call for Saturday for 24 hours, 6 am to 6 am (till August 18). In the morning on Saturday, all doctors from Ludhiana will gather at the IMA House and take out a peace march at 9.30 am and also stage their protest afterwards.
DMCH OPD to remain shut today
The Dayanand Medical College and Hospital also took out a candlelight march to protest against the Kolkata rape- murder incident. As a mark of protest, the hospital OPD will remain shut on Saturday. The march was held from the DMCH entrance to the Dumra auditorium.
The march witnessed the participation of entire faculty and undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Principal Dr GS Wander condemned the barbaric act and said doctors at the DMCH stand in solidarity with the victim and her family. Medical Superintendent Bishav Mohan pleaded for justice and said hands that heal should be safeguarded in hospitals and elsewhere. No crime should got unpunished and justice must be provided to the victim.
