Indian Doctors Demand Justice and Safety After Kolkata Tragedy

INDIA: Over 1,000 doctors from across Indore took to the streets on Friday evening, participating in a solemn candle march. The demonstration, which began at MY Hospital and concluded at Regal Square, was organized in response to recent distressing events in Kolkata involving the rape and murder of a female doctor.

The procession, comprising junior doctors and senior medical professionals, wound its way through key locations including the Dental College, MGM Medical College OPD, and Shivaji Square. Participants paid tribute to their fallen colleague, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures within the medical community.

Demands for Enhanced Security

At the forefront of the rally were calls for comprehensive security upgrades in medical facilities across Madhya Pradesh. Dr. Salil Bhargav, one of the senior doctors addressing the gathering, emphasized the necessity for “adequate security for women doctors in the medical college and medical girls hostel, district hospital and health centres in the state.”

Key demands put forth by the demonstrators included:

• Implementation of CCTV surveillance throughout medical facilities
• Introduction of ID card-based entry systems
• Regular, unannounced police inspections of hospitals during night hours
• Deployment of round-the-clock security personnel
• Improved lighting infrastructure in female hostels
• Mandatory police verification for male staff working in hostel premises

Push for Legislative Action

The rally also served as a platform to advocate for broader policy changes. Doctors called for the swift implementation of the Central Doctors Protection Act by the Government of India, underlining the need for legal frameworks to safeguard medical professionals.

Dr. VP Pandey, another senior figure present at the event, stressed the importance of “strengthening the security of doctors at their duty place,” reflecting a growing concern within the medical community about workplace safety.

Nationwide Resonance

The Indore rally comes amidst a backdrop of wider national action. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has initiated a nationwide strike, drawing attention to the Kolkata case and amplifying calls for justice and improved safety measures for healthcare workers across the country.

As India watches these developments unfold, the medical community’s united stand serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure their safety and well-being.