GMC strike: AIIMS Delhi docs for Mohindra’s intervention

Ananya Panda
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, February 7

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Expressing solidarity with their colleagues of the Government Medical College (GMC), Amritsar, over demand of safe working environment, resident doctors of AIIMS-Delhi have requested Punjab Health Minister Brahm Mohindra to immediately intervene and take action against the GMC administration, which has been accused of “callous” attitude in dealing with “rising incidents of violence against on-duty doctors”.

Resident doctors of the GMC, who are boycotting work following two separate incidents of “sexual harassment” faced by two lady residents on the campus on the intervening night of February 4-5, refused to settle with anything less than resignation of the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr Surinder Pal.

The striking GMC doctors said when the two lady doctors reported about the groping incidents by a security guard the same night to the medical superintendent, he allegedly blamed them saying “you’re responsible for your own dignity”— something that led to a hectic round of “failed” parleys between them and the administration since then.

In response to his alleged irresponsible statements, Dr Pal told The Tribune, “It was just a statement made during a conversation and nothing directed against them. I have already apologised for any remark that hurt them. Within 20 minutes, the accused guard was arrested. Security guards have been replaced wherever there were complaints and 100 guards are currently manning the entire campus, including hostels, wards and emergencies. We have already got sanction for another 30 and the process is on for 35 more.”

Dr Pal said steps have been taken to ensure light arrangements at the spot as well as places which are slightly deserted on the campus noting that it takes time, but they have remained adamant without giving even 24 hours. He hoped situation will be better tomorrow claiming that some senior residents had joined work on Thursday.

AIIMS RDA president Dr Amarinder Singh Malhi told The Tribune, “It is so unfortunate to see how the MS has responded, making loose statements against doctors when they demand a safe campus. Last month, a junior resident doctor was manhandled at the GMC and the administration then assured of enhancing security when they went on strike. But these incidents continue.”

Dr Amarinder said the RDA-AIIMS will write to Union Health Minister JP Nadda for provision of special security guards in all state medical colleges across the country.