Doctors seek written apology from Delhi police, intensify agitation

On Monday, a protest march was held by the resident doctors towards the Supreme Court, however, they were stopped mid way by the Delhi Police. As the doctors were not allowed to continue their march, they surrendered their medical apron on the road to register the protest. The doctors alleged they were thrashed and dragged during their march to the Top Court.

The police had said that seven of their personnel were injured during the chaos. It also said that two buses were damaged at that time. "We detained 10-12 doctors but later released them in an hour," Additional DCP (Central district) Rohit Meena had told IANS.

Also Read: Doctors attacked by Delhi police call for complete shutdown of services

A day after the Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) proposed three demands to end the protest over the delay in NEET-PG counselling and alleged manhandling of doctors by the police, it decided on Wednesday to continue the strike until the police issue a ''written apology for their behaviour'', according to FORDA President Dr Manish, reports ANI.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Dr Manish had said, "Firstly, we want the concerned authorities to ensure that we should get a date for counselling right after the Supreme Court's hearing on January 6 concludes. Secondly, we want an apology from the authorities as the police manhandled the doctors. Thirdly, we want the withdrawal of FIRs registered against protesters."

"The strike is still underway. We demand a written apology for police brutality during yesterday's protest of resident doctors at ITO. We will hold a meeting with all Resident Doctors Association (RDAs) at 8 pm today to decide the future course of action," he had added.

As per latest reports, talks between the doctors association representatives and Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya were held at the Nirman Bhavan in the national capital.

According to a doctor who was present in the meeting, Mandaviya assured to submit all documents before the court on January 6 when the matter will come up for hearing. He said that the matter is sub-judice before the Supreme Court. However, he said he was hopeful that the NEET-PG counselling will start soon.

However, dissatisfied over the response, resident doctors in Delhi intensified their agitation and gathered in large numbers on the premises of Centre-run Safdarjung Hospital, even as police personnel were deployed to ensure law and order is maintained.

Presently, the doctors are protesting outside the emergency ward of the Safdarjung Hospital. All emergency services, including ambulance services were briefly obstructed due to the agitation. As the healthcare facilities have been drastically affected due to the ongoing protests, the resident doctors said they are the first to get affected by the pain of the patients.

"We feel their pain but until and unless we are treated with dignity, like a human being, we won't stop this agitation," said a doctor.

Also Read: Resident Doctors To Continue Stir As Talks With Mandaviya Fail