The medical community has been demanding justice following the recent event at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, when a second-year postgraduate medical student was sexually assaulted and killed. Medical professionals and students have banded together to demand openness in the inquiry process and firm action against the criminals.
One of the main doctors leading the protests, Dr. Arnab Mukhopadhya, stressed the importance of candid and direct communication with West Bengal’s Minister of State for Health, Chandrima Bhattacharya. He emphasized that although the minister stated that he wished to have a “open heart” conversation with the demonstrators, the doctors are requesting that the discussions be broadcast live in order to guarantee transparency. Dr. Mukhopadhya went on to voice his dissatisfaction with the government’s response, pointing out that while doctors are protesting in the streets, officials are making statements from the comfort of air-conditioned chambers.
The doctors have declined to take part in talks behind closed doors, even though the administration has offered to communicate. Another doctor protesting on behalf of the group, Dr. Aqeeb, claims that they got an email inviting them to a “closed-door” meeting with senior government officials. The doctors objected to this format, claiming that it was opaque. In response, they sent a letter stating their five requests for addressing the matter to the Chief Minister’s office. They declined to attend the suggested meeting, though, since they thought the invitation did not sufficiently address their concerns.
The protesting doctors are demanding justice in the sad rape and murder case of the medical student, in addition to a transparent discussion. The West Bengal Medical Council called a rally in which medical professionals marched while holding banners calling for severe punishment to be meted out to the culprits and their collaborators in the “Abhaya” rape and murder case. A sizable number of medical professionals attended this event, taking to the streets to seek justice for their colleague and to raise awareness.
The tragedy has also generated more agitation throughout India, as evidenced by doctor protests in Haryana who are supporting the cause in West Bengal. Junior doctors at the Swasthya Bhawan in the Salt Lake region went on strike again in spite of the demonstrations; they won’t go back to work until their demands are satisfied.
The doctors intend to carry out their protests till they witness significant advancements and responsibility from the government in guaranteeing the victim’s justice and improving hospital safety for medical personnel.
SOURCE :
ANI NEWS
