Kolkata murder-rape: Non-emergency services stopped at Chamba college

Our Correspondent

Chamba, August 17

The doctors and staff of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College (PJNGMC), Chamba, continued their protest against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, lodging a 24-hour strike and halting non-emergency services.

The protesting doctors staged a sit-in protest, and took out a protest march across the town.

The strike is in response to a nation-wide call given by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

Doctors expressed their deep concern, with some stating that while the Indian government promoted the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” slogan, even educated daughters were not safe.

PJNGMC Assistant Professors’ Association president Dr Manik Sehgal and general secretary Dr Vinod Bhardwaj called for justice for the victim, and better security measures for all healthcare workers across the country. They also demanded that a Central Security Act be introduced to ensure the safety of all health professionals, and urged Centre to enact strict laws against violence towards doctors and hospital staff.

To prevent such incidents, Dr Sehgal said, there was need for adequate security and a safe working environment for all healthcare professionals.

He also requested that the number of security personnel at Chamba Medical College be increased, and a police post be established on campus, similar to other medical colleges across the country.

The protesting doctors said if their safety is compromised, it would severely affect their ability to work.

Dr Sehgal said the protesting doctors demanded a fair, transparent and unbiased investigation into the Kolkata case. The medical fraternity had vowed to continue the protest until justice was served, he added.