Heavy Rain doesn’t deter Telangana Junior doctors’ protest for justice
Hyderabad : Heavy rain in Hyderabad did not dampen the spirit of junior doctors in Telangana, who are protesting seeking justice to their fellow doctor, who has now fallen victim to a sexual assault that took her life at the RG Kar Medical College in Kokatta. On Thursday evening, the Telangana Junior Doctors Association (TJUDA) at the Gandhi Medical College in Secunderabad protested over the same.
The protests in Hyderabad medical colleges such as Gandhi Medical College, Osmania Medical College and others intensified after peaceful protests by the doctors at the RG medical college in Kolkata were disturbed by a mob in West Bengal.
Several doctors Associations across the country condemned the brutal act of sexual assault and are protesting for better safety standards for the medical community.
The Telangana Junior Doctors Association in a statement said that they have initiated strike in response to “address urgent, unfortunate incident that recently occurred at the RG Kar Medical College to a female doctor and to condemn the vicious mob attack over the protestors and vandalism” that happened at the college on the Independence Day, on August 15, 2024.
In their statement, it was further added, “At this critical moment, it is crucial that we stand united to secure the necessary reforms that will benefit both current and future doctors. T-JUDA has already boycotted all non-emergency services, including elective surgeries, academic activities, and routine operations. To further our cause, we request that all postgraduates in your department be allowed to participate fully in this strike. Their involvement is essential for the success of our efforts.”
Further, T-JUDA also said, “They are committed to maintaining patient care, we may be forced to escalate our actions, potentially including a boycott of emergency services if our demands continue to be ignored. We hope this will not be necessary.”
Need for a central Act for protection of medical professionals
Meanwhile, Indian Medical Association (IMA) Vice President of the Hyderabad chapter, Dr Arjun Raj said that they demand a central Act for enhanced safety of the medical professionals working for the welfare of the people.
Speaking to the Hyderabad Mail, Dr Arjun Raj said, “Why these kinds of problems are coming again and again, if there is any central law for health care professions, these won’t repeat. The Prime Minister, Union Health Minister and Union Home Minister should convene an immediate meeting and enact a Law protecting medical professionals through a special ordinance.”
Dr Raj further added that “usually the Union government passes the buck, saying that health is a State subject, but, it should be noted that health protection is a central subject.”
The doctor also suggested that working hours for women employees should not be exceeded beyond 8 hours and night shifts should not be given to the female doctors if they are alone on the duty, considering the suspicion on the local conditions. And added that enhanced security should be provided during the night shifts.
Despite heavy rain in Hyderabad, Telangana junior doctors remained steadfast in their protest, demanding justice for a fellow doctor who tragically lost her life following a sensual assault at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. #Telanganajuniordoctorsprotests #Hyderabad pic.twitter.com/PPY2W7aGYa
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) August 15, 2024
