Patiala MP leads protest against Kolkata medico’s murder, seeks strict punishment
Tribune News Service
Patiala, August 17
On the call of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Patiala Congress MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi today led a protest at Baradari Garden against the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata.
Condemning the incident, the MP demanded trial by a fast-track court and exemplary punishment to ensure safety of women.
He also sought setting up of dedicated women grievance redressal cells in every institute of the country and strict implementation of the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court.
Dr Gandhi demanded implementation of the Healthcare Services Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2019, (The Central Protection Act) to protect healthcare workers.
“The heinous crimes against women that continue to occur across the country reflect a patriarchal and medieval mindset that must be eradicated,” said Dr Gandhi.
He also pointed to the appointment of Dr Sandip Gosh, who was transferred to the Calcutta National Medical College after he quit as principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where the tragic incident took place.
“The gruesome incident has triggered anger among the students who have long suffered under such exploitative systems,” he added.
On July 20, a medical student at Government Medical College in Patiala allegedly died by suicide, said Dr Gandhi. “It has been nearly a month and the reasons that drove her to take such a drastic step should be revealed to take corrective measures,” said the MP.
In Sangrur, doctors staged a dharna and demanded justice for the deceased. Due to the strike, health services remained paralysed at the civil hospital. However, emergency services were offered to the patients. Demanding implementation of the Central Protection Act, the protesting doctors took out a march from the Sangrur Civil Hospital to Mahavir Chowk.
In Abohar, healthcare services at the 100-bed civil hospital and private clinics remained suspended.
IMA chief Dr DP Godara said the Kolkata incident was a blot on the society. The IMA spokesman said their union had been urging the Centre to implement strict laws to ensure safety of doctors.
Patients, especially expectant mothers, had to face a lot of hardships as ultrasound services remained suspended at the government hospitals.
In Malerkotla, IMA secretary Dr Sunit Hind said OPDs and elective surgeries remained halted at all private and government hospitals.
Dr Hind said the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) had also shown solidarity with the deceased’s family, besides drawing attention of the international medical fraternity towards the inhumane act.
“In the wake of Kolkata incident, the PMA has urged the World Medical Association to intervene and ensure that the culprits are apprehended and justice is served. It is imperative that the international medical community comes together to condemn such atrocities and work towards creating a safer environment for healthcare professionals,” mentioned a release of the PMA.
