As the doctors’ strike continues across the country in protest of the rape and murder of a 2nd year postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata, the resident doctors in New Delhi will today provide elective services for out patients outside the Ministry of Health, Nirman Bhavan.

The body of the 31-year-old trainee doctor of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital was brutally attacked and killed on 9th August 2024.

In a press release, the Resident Doctors Association, AIIMS, New Delhi, informed that the Action Committee for Central Protection Act and the general body of RDA AIIMS have unanimously decided to continue the strike, as their demands remain unaddressed. The strike includes halting academic activities, elective OPDs, ward and OT services, while maintaining emergency services, ICUs, emergency procedures and emergency OT.

The RDA informed that Elective OPD services of around 36 specialties would be provided outside Nirman Bhavan on Monday starting 11:00am onwards.

“We will provide the patient care services in the nation’s interest and as per our Hippocratic oath,” the doctors stated while appealing to the government to accept their plea for an urgent central ordinance for safety and security of healthcare workers and institutes.

The demands of the Action Committee for Central Protection Act (comprising representatives from all Resident Doctors’ Associations of Delhi) are:

1. Fair and Transparent Investigation: We demand an impartial, fair, and transparent investigation into the brutal rape and murder of our colleague. The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be brought to justice swiftly, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.
2. Immediate Ordinance: An ordinance must be passed within 48 hours to address the safety concerns of healthcare professionals. This ordinance should include stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure severe punishment for those who harm healthcare workers.
3. Legislation in Parliament: The ordinance must be followed by the introduction of a comprehensive bill in the upcoming winter session of Parliament. This bill should focus on the protection of healthcare professionals and provide a robust legal framework to safeguard their rights and safety.
4. Continuation of Ordinance: The ordinance passed must remain in force until the bill is passed by Parliament and enacted as law. There should be no gap in legal protection for healthcare workers during this transition period
5. Deployment of Paramilitary Forces and Nationwide Security Measures: We demand the immediate deployment of paramilitary forces for the safety and security of doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Additionally, we call for a nationwide increase in security personnel and the installation of CCTV cameras in all hospitals to ensure a safer working environment for healthcare professionals. These measures are essential to restore confidence and prevent future incidents that threaten the safety of those serving in the healthcare sector.
6. Financial Compensation: The family of the deceased doctor should be provided with immediate and adequate financial compensation, recognizing the immense loss and suffering they have endured. This compensation should reflect the severity of the crime and the sacrifice made by the doctor in the line of duty.