Kolkata doctor death case: PGIMS resident doctors to continue strike over workplace safety

Rohtak: Despite the Supreme Court directive urging protesting doctors across the nation to resume their duties, the resident doctors of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), Rohtak declared to continue their strike until their demands are met.  

A statement issued by the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of PGIMS Rohtak mentioned that they would suspend elective services due to inconclusive discussions with the institute's administration. The association highlighted security concerns on the campus as the primary reason for this decision.

Recently a report of a security breach at the campus has become viral on social media where outsiders allegedly gave threats to doctors openly while they were protesting inside the campus yesterday.

Also read- RG Kar medico death case: West Bengal Junior doctors to continue protest despite SC appeal

On August 22, a meeting was held between the members of the association, Interns, UG Student representatives and Acting Vice-Chancellor & Director Dr. S.S. Lohchab to address pressing issues related to campus security and workplace safety.

During the meeting, a comprehensive discussion was held on the various demands submitted by the RDA, particularly those concerning campus safety. However, the association and the college authorities failed to reach any conclusion following which the association announced to continue the strike until their demands were met. 

Meanwhile, associations like the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA), United Doctors Front Association (UDFA), Maharashtra State Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) including more and resident doctors from medical institutions from most parts of the country have collectively called off its strike after the Supreme Court asked healthcare workers to resume their duties and asked the Centre to provide security to all health professionals across the country.

The meeting came in the wake of growing concerns over the safety and security of healthcare professionals in light of the brutal rape and murder of postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital on August 9. 

"A meeting of RDA, Interns and UG Student representatives has been held today under the chairmanship of Acting Vice-Chancellor & Director Dr. S.S. Lohchab wherein an elaborate discussion on the demands submitted by RDA has been held. The meeting has been constructive in nature and the demands submitted by RDA related to PGIMS campus safety have been addressed by the authorities.

However, some crucial demands of RDA shall be explored by the respected authorities and RDA shall take further decision regarding the strike after assessment of the response of authorities regarding the issues which have not been resolved yet. We shall continue to withhold our elective services till all our crucial demands are met," stated the press release. 

Expressing its appreciation for the concern shown by the Hon'ble Supreme Court regarding the challenges faced by doctors, the association said, "RDA PGIMS and PGIDS Rohtak appreciate the concern shown by The Hon'ble Supreme Court in its hearing regarding the problems faced by doctors, however, we strongly believe that these assurances must be followed by strict enforcement to prevent violence at the workplace and ensure the proper mental and physical health of the resident doctors."

Further, it added, "RDA also believes that although the process of judicial action will take its own time, let this process not hinder the delivery of justice to the victim. We are closely monitoring the process and trusting our honourable judiciary to take due care of this sensitive case."

Despite the ongoing strike, the RDA claimed that it has maintained a parallel OPD for clinical branches, ensuring that patient care is not compromised. On Thursday, approximately 50 patients were examined and advised for further consultation.

In addition to these efforts, a blood donation camp was organized in the New OPD, where more than 100 units of blood were donated by faculty members, residents, and students. 

Also read- Kolkata doctor rape-murder: FAIMA ends strike, resume duty after SC appeal