Hundreds of doctors affiliated with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) took to the streets in a protest march, demanding justice for a victim of a shocking crime in Kolkata and advocating for enhanced protection for healthcare professionals. The demonstration underscored the alarming vulnerability of doctors, particularly women, who face violence in their workplaces, emphasising the urgent need for authorities to ensure their safety within hospitals and medical campuses.
Dr. Manjusha Giri, President of IMA Nagpur, highlighted the unique risks that medical professionals encounter due to the nature of their work. “It is the responsibility of the authorities to provide safety for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers inside hospitals and campuses,” she asserted.
The protest attracted a diverse group of participants, including various medical associations such as the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), the Maharashtra State Medical Teachers Association (MSMTA), along with students from multiple medical colleges in Nagpur. This event showcased a strong sense of unity within the medical community.
Dr. Pratik Debaje, President of Central MARD, voiced serious concerns regarding security on medical college campuses, especially in light of the recent Kolkata incident. “We believe that security measures should be strengthened within medical college premises. Future medicos must be able to work in a safe environment,” he urged.
The protest also sparked discussions about the potential for young doctors to apply for gun licences, reflecting the increasing worries surrounding safety in the medical profession.
Prominent figures in the medical community, including Dr. Avinash Gawande, Medical Superintendent of Government Medical College and Hospital, reassured attendees that efforts are underway to ensure that patients in critical conditions receive the necessary care without compromise.
The demonstration received backing from various medical leaders and associations, reinforcing the collective demand for swift action from both the West Bengal and Central Governments to deliver justice to the victim’s family.
