New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has formally appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the shocking sexual assault and murder of a female postgraduate (PG) trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The IMA has outlined several urgent demands to ensure the safety and protection of healthcare professionals across the country.
IMA Calls for Central Legislation to Protect Doctors
In response to the tragic incident, the IMA has requested the introduction of a Central Act that incorporates the 2020 amendments to the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 into the proposed “Healthcare Services Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill 2019.” The IMA emphasized that this legislation would bolster the existing laws in 25 states, providing a unified framework for the safety of doctors nationwide. 
Hospitals Should Be Declared Safe Zones, Demands IMA
The IMA has further urged the government to declare hospitals as safe zones, with security measures comparable to those in airports. They stressed the necessity of installing CCTVs, deploying security personnel, and establishing strict security protocols in all healthcare facilities. According to the IMA, these measures are essential to create a safe working environment for doctors and other healthcare professionals.
“The security protocols of all hospitals should be no less than an airport. Declaring the hospitals as safe zones with mandatory security entitlements is the first step,” the IMA stated.
IMA Highlights Inadequate Working Conditions of Resident Doctors
The IMA also highlighted the grueling working conditions faced by resident doctors, particularly pointing out the victim’s 36-hour shift and the lack of safe spaces for rest. They called for a comprehensive overhaul of the working and living conditions for resident doctors to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Demands for Justice and Compensation
In addition to demanding enhanced safety measures, the IMA has called for a meticulous and professional investigation into the crime, with a focus on ensuring swift justice. They also demanded appropriate and dignified compensation for the victim’s family, reflecting the severity of the crime.
“We appeal to you for your benign intervention at this stage. This will give confidence to not only women doctors but also to every woman in the workplace,” the IMA’s letter to PM Modi read.
Nationwide Strike in Response to Kolkata Doctor’s Death
In light of the incident, doctors across the nation have initiated a 24-hour withdrawal of services, starting from 6 am on Saturday, August 17, to 6 am Sunday, August 18. The medical fraternity has united in protest, demanding immediate action to ensure the safety and security of all healthcare professionals.
This tragedy has sparked a nationwide outcry, with the IMA underscoring the critical need for government intervention to protect the lives and well-being of those in the medical profession.
