Junior docs demand security at work

Tribune News Services 

Patiala, April 16

Junior doctors of Rajindra Hospital here are up in arms against the rising incidences of assault on their colleagues and other medical staff while on duty. 

Demanding security for on-duty doctors, they staged a protest at Rajindra hospital here on Monday. 

On Saturday night, some people came to the emergency department and entered into a brawl with on-duty doctors and damaged the hospital’s property. They also threatened the doctors of dire 

consequences.  

Thereafter, the doctors and staff took shelter in the nearest police post.

Despite repeated complaints by junior resident doctors, Rajindra hospital has failed to provide a safe working environment. 

The protesting doctors alleged that the incidents of assault on their colleagues were on the rise, but nothing concrete had been done so far.

A case under Sections 323,325 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered against Karan Kumar, Arun Kumar, Abhinav, Amitash, and an unidentified person.

Dipmle Mittal, president of the Junior Doctors’ Association said, “There are only four policemen deployed in the hospital. It is very difficult for us to perform our duties in the emergency ward with less number of police personnel.”

Meanwhile, the Patiala unit of the Punjab State Medical and Dental Teachers’ Association condemned the incidence and joined the protest. The association assured the junior doctors of its full support. 

The protesting doctors demanded more police security in the hospital, especially, in the emergency ward.

The doctors’ associations have sought an emergency meeting with the Principal Secretary, Research and Medical Education, to find a long-term solution to the problem. 

Medical College Principal Dr BS Brar, who is also Medical Superintendant of Government Rajindra Hospital, assured the junior doctors that strict action would taken against the accused. 

Brar said the demands of junior doctors would be considered soon.