Ghaziabad: The horrific incident at RG Kar Medical College has exposed a deep-rooted malaise in our society: the vulnerability of women in public spaces and the impunity with which violence is unleashed in our hospitals. The barbaric crime against a young doctor has shaken the nation to its core, leaving both the medical fraternity and the public at large in a state of shock and anger.
The incident has highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the safety and security of healthcare professionals. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a strong call to action, demanding immediate and stringent measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Key demands from the IMA include:
- Swift and exemplary punishment for those involved in the recent acts of vandalism at RG Kar Medical College.
- A central law incorporating the 2023 amendments to the Epidemic Diseases Act to strengthen the Hospital Protection Bill of 2019.
- Mandatory security protocols for all hospitals, including CCTV surveillance and adequate security personnel.
- Improved working conditions for resident doctors, including reduced duty hours and safe resting spaces.
- A thorough and timely investigation into the crime, leading to the identification and punishment of the culprits.
- Appropriate compensation for the bereaved family.
As a mark of protest and to demand justice, the IMA has announced a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of services by modern medicine doctors, commencing at 6 am on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Emergency and casualty services will continue to operate, but OPDs and elective surgeries will be suspended.
The IMA has appealed to the nation for understanding and support during this critical time. The medical community is united in its resolve to create a safer environment for healthcare professionals and to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.
The nation stands with the medical fraternity in demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the system to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
