RG Kar protest: Union Health Ministry to form committee to suggest measures for safety of doctors

The representatives of Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Resident Doctors’ Associations of Governmental Medical Colleges & Hospitals of Delhi met the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare at New Delhi in the aftermath of the incident against a resident doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata.

"The Associations have put forth their demands regarding their concern over the safety and security of healthcare workers at the workplace," read a statement issued by the Indian government.

The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has heard the demands of the representatives and assured them of all possible efforts to ensure the security of healthcare professionals.

The representatives of all the Associations were informed that the Government is well aware of the situation and is sensitive to their demands.

"It was observed that 26 States have already passed legislation for protection of healthcare workers in their respective states," the statement said giving details about the meeting.

"In view of the concerns expressed by the Associations, the Ministry assured them of constituting a Committee to suggest all such possible measures for ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals. Representatives of all stakeholders including the State Governments will be invited to share their suggestions with the Committee," the statement said.

The Ministry requested the agitating doctors to resume their duties in the larger public interest and in view of the rising cases of Dengue and Malaria.

The  Indian Medical Association is observing a 24-hour nationwide strike and withdrawal of non-emergency medical services on Saturday to protest against the rape and murder of a PG trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and the vandalism incident at the state-run medical facility on the eve of Independence Day.

"Subsequent to the brutal crime in RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata and the hooliganism unleashed on the protesting students on the eve of Independence Day, the Indian Medical Association declares nationwide withdrawal of services by doctors of modern medicine from 6 am on Saturday i.e 17th of August to 6 am Sunday 18th of August, for 24 hours", IMA said in a statement.

"All essential services will be maintained. Casualties will be manned. Routine OPDs will not function, and elective surgeries will not be conducted. The withdrawal is across all the sectors wherever modern medicine doctors are providing service", the largest organisation of doctors in India said.

Several major medical associations like All India Medical Students' Association (AIMSA) and Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) have joined the strike.

What happened in RG Kar?

The trainee doctor was raped and murdered at the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which is located in North Kolkata's Belgachia area.

She was found in a half naked state with multiple injuries in the whole body from neck and eyes to private parts. The parents were initially told by the hospital that their daughter committed suicide.

One person, a civic volunteer, has been arrested in connection with the case but protesting students suspect more people are involved in the crime.