71 Padma awardee docs write to Modi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 18

As many as 71 Padma awardee doctors on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding swift action against the perpetrators involved in the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata.

The doctors have also demanded promulgation of a separate law to deal with violence, both physical and verbal, against doctors, medical professionals and medical institutions.

Separate law sought

• The Padma awardee doctors have also demanded promulgation of a separate law to deal with violence, both physical and verbal, against doctors, medical professionals and medical institutions.

“As the head of our nation, we implore your immediate and personal intervention to address this alarming situation. Such acts of brutality shake the very foundation of service by medical professionals and highlight the urgent need to address violence, particularly against women, girls and healthcare professionals. We stand in solidarity with the victim’s family, whose pain and loss are unimaginable. The safety and dignity of healthcare professionals must be safeguarded with utmost priority,” the letter said.

The doctors have also advocated for harsh and time-bound punishment for perpetrators of sexual violence. The letter urged the Centre to implement improved safety protocols within healthcare facilities to ensure a secure working environment for all medical staff.

“We urge the central and state governments to quickly enact and implement a separate law for the protection of healthcare workers, ensuring its rapid enforcement on the ground. The proposed Prevention of Violence against Doctors, Medical Professionals and Medical Institutions Bill is ready since 2019, but it has not yet been tabled in Parliament for passage and adoption. We strongly believe that an ordinance to this effect can be brought immediately, and the Bill should be passed post-haste so that all those working in healthcare delivery systems in the country can work without fear,” the letter said.

They also demanded that cases pertaining to violence against doctors, whether verbal or physical, should be categorised as non-bailable.