Doctors in Delhi are intensifying their protests following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College.
The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Delhi AIIMS has announced that starting from August 19. They will offer free outpatient (OPD) services on the road in front of the Health Ministry at Nirman Bhawan. This will continue until the government assures them of adequate security through a Central Protection Act.
AIIMS Ongoing Strike Enters Seventh Day:
The doctors’ strike in Delhi entered its seventh day on Sunday. Causing a significant disruption in non-emergency services, including OPD facilities, across hospitals. The protest began earlier in the week within medical college campuses but has since expanded to the streets. The incident that sparked this nationwide outrage occurred at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata earlier this month.
Candlelight March and Human Chain:
As part of their ongoing protest, members of the resident doctors’ associations in Delhi organized a candlelight march on Sunday evening. The march began at Gate 1 of Rajiv Chowk Metro Station in Connaught Place. Doctors from various medical institutions participated, including Dr. Parth Mishra, vice president of the UCMS and GTB Hospital RDA.
During the march, the demonstrators formed a human chain in the Inner Circle of Connaught Place, raising slogans and displaying placards demanding justice for the victim. One placard read, “When the white coat turns red, society turns black,” capturing the anguish and frustration felt by the medical community. Even young children holding the tricolor were seen joining the march, symbolizing a broader concern for safety and justice.
AIIMS for Public Awareness Efforts:
In addition to their demonstrations, doctors made efforts to engage with the public, raising awareness about the incident and the urgent need for a Central law to protect healthcare workers from violence while on duty.
Next Steps
Late on Sunday, resident doctors announced that their strike would continue. According to their action plan for Monday, they will meet in front of the GTB Hospital gate at 9 am. Following this meeting, they plan to march to Nirman Bhawan at 11 am to continue their protest.
The doctors are determined to press on with their demands, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure their safety in hospitals across the country.