Kolkata horror: Docs call off 11-day protest

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 22

Resident doctors on Thursday called off their 11-day protest against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, following the Supreme Court’s directive to the Union Health Secretary to engage with the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of all states to ensure the safety and security of healthcare professionals.

The doctors will resume their duties from Friday. During the last 11 days, they had suspended elective services, though emergency services continued.

The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), along with the resident doctors of AIIMS and RML Hospital, has also called off the strike.

“FAIMA has decided to call off the strike following positive directions from the Chief Justice of India. We welcome the acceptance of our prayers for interim protections and the necessary steps to enhance security in hospitals. United, we will continue to fight legally,” FAIMA said in a statement.

AIIMS stated that the decision was made in response to the SC appeal.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Supreme Court for taking cognisance of the RG Kar Medical College incident and addressing the broader issue of safety and security for healthcare workers across the country. We also commend the formation of the National Task Force to ensure that these concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. Furthermore, we appreciate the court’s directive that no punitive action be taken against the protesting doctors,” the Resident Doctors’ Association of AIIMS said in a statement.

Resident doctors at AIIMS said they would continue with symbolic protests after duty hours. Resident doctors at RML have requested the authorities not to deduct their salaries or mark them absent for the last 11 days (August 10-August 22) during which they participated in the protest.

Meanwhile, on Thursday morning, a patient’s attendant entered a ward at GTB Hospital with a pistol and threatened a resident doctor and the nursing staff. A month ago, a patient was murdered in the hospital ward by a goon.