Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Aug 16 : The Resident Doctors of Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu held a peaceful protest march on Friday morning to condemn the brutal assault on a doctor in Kolkata on August 9, 2024. The protest was preemptively communicated to the Principal of GMC Jammu, who is in continuous contact with higher administration in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir regarding the situation.
According to the news agency, following the protest, Resident Doctors held a meeting with the Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, where they expressed their anguish over the incident and highlighted recent security-related incidents in which several doctors were violently attacked at GMC Jammu. They requested an enhancement of security during their working hours, particularly in the Emergency and other critical areas of the hospital.
The Advisor assured the doctors that appropriate security measures would be taken, and instructed the district administration to strengthen security in the premises of GMC Jammu.
Another subsequent meeting was held in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, attended by senior police officers and administrators. It was agreed that security would be bolstered within the hospital, including the deployment of paramilitary forces.
The Principal of GMC Jammu assured Resident Doctors that in any future case of violence within the hospital premises, an FIR would be lodged by the Head of the Institution, in line with the DGHS, MoHFW circular. The Resident Doctors expressed satisfaction with these deliberations.
Meanwhile, the Medical Faculty Association (MFA) of GMC Srinagar strongly condemned the horrific murder of a young doctor while on duty in Kolkata. The MFA said the safety of doctors, particularly young medical professionals, is of paramount importance and cannot be compromised. They called for new rules to be passed and effectively implemented to ensure that doctors feel safe and secure in their workplaces.
In solidarity with the nationwide protest, the MFA supported the withdrawal of OPD services on August 17, 2024, while ensuring that ward work and essential emergency services would continue to operate to avoid public suffering. The MFA has requested all faculty members, Senior Residents, and Post-graduate students of GMC Srinagar and its Associated Hospitals to assemble in the college auditorium at 9:30 am on August 17 for a peaceful protest.
Meanwhile, the Resident Doctors of GMC Srinagar and its Associated Hospitals condemned the brutal rape and murder of a resident doctor in Kolkata. They expressed solidarity with the departed soul and decried the improper investigation and violence following the incident, which they view as a tragic reflection of the dismal state of doctors and women’s safety in society.
In alignment with the Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) call for a nationwide withdrawal of medical services, the Resident Doctors of GMC Srinagar decided to join the strike. Starting at 6:00 am on August 17, 2024, they will not attend elective services (OPDs, wards, and elective OTs), while emergency services, emergency OTs, and ICUs will continue to operate. Their demands include the urgent dispensation of justice to the accused, the implementation of the Central Protection Act, and immediate enhancement of security measures in GMC Srinagar and its Associated Hospitals. This includes the 24×7 deployment of security personnel at all hospital checkpoints, indoor wards, and OTs, enforcement of a gate pass system for attendants, and the lodging of institutional FIRs in cases of violence against doctors and staff on duty.
The Resident Doctors also called for no institutional pressure or disciplinary action to be taken against any doctor or student participating in the strike. They expressed hope that the administration of GMC Srinagar and its Associated Hospitals would understand their plight, support their cause, and join them in their show of solidarity.
