Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Protests, candle light march continues in GMC Jammu

Srinagar, Aug 21: Doctors in Jammu region on Wednesday continued their protest and candle light march for sixth consecutive day against the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case.
On Wednesday morning, doctors, faculty members and students of GMC Jammu held a strong protest demanding stern action against brutal rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
The protestors, including resident doctors, emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of female staff in hospitals, whether in medical colleges or other healthcare facilities.
A spokesperson of Resident Doctors Association GMC Jammu said today they took out a peaceful protest and the candle light march continues in the GMC Jammu campus each day.
The doctors have been demanding the government to ensure safety and night accommodation for female staff in the hospitals so that they do not face any kind of incident.
“The protesting doctors also demanded the Government authorities and medical bodies to urgently address the safety concerns and implement robust measures to safeguard healthcare professionals in the hospital premises,” the RDA spokesperson said.
The RDA has extended its sincere gratitude to the Supreme Court for its Suo Motu cognizance and recent directions concerning RG Kar MC&H and related issues. “We appreciate the court’s attention to the pressing issues affecting our healthcare professionals,” the RDA said.
Today the RDA conducted a meeting which decided to continue the protest and strike in the majority. “This action includes complete shutdown of academic activities, elective OPDs, field work duties, ward services and OT services, while maintaining emergency services, ICUs, emergency procedures and emergency OT,” the association said.
The doctors association urges enhanced safety and security measures for healthcare professionals, given the persistent and escalating violence against them.
“Our collective action calls for immediate and the implementation of an ordinance to ensure safety and security of all health care workers. We stand united in our demand for justice and comprehensive protection for health care professionals,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Resident Doctors’ Association of AIIMS, New Delhi, has also extended gratitude to SC for its Suo Motu cognizance in the case.
“To express our solidarity with the residents of RG Kar MC&H, Kolkata, and to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to patient care, we will provide OPD services from Jantar Mantar starting from 11:00 am onwards. This move highlights our dedication to serving patients despite the current challenges,” it said in a statement.
Doctors and medics across India have been holding protests, candlelight marches and even temporarily refused care for non-emergency patients.
On August 17, the Indian Medical Association had announced a nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency medical services for 24 hours to protest against the rape and murder case.