New Delhi: In New Delhi, as the resident doctors‘ protest, sparked by the incident in Kolkata, continued for the 10th consecutive day, essential healthcare services remain severely disrupted, causing significant hardship for many patients. The Director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has requested the Resident Doctors’ Association to resume work, assuring them that their safety and security are the hospital’s top priorities.
Dr Rima Dada, AIIMS spokesperson, said, “Our Director has requested the AIIMS Resident Doctors’ Association to resume work, as many patients come from faraway places and are facing significant challenges. He has reassured them that their safety and security are our top priorities.”
To address the concerns of the doctors and identify a permanent solution, Dr. Dada added, “We at AIIMS, Delhi, have formed two committees: one to address their immediate concerns, which will be headed by the Dean of Academics, the Dean of Research, the Medical Superintendent, and the Chief Security Officer.”
“In addition, a collaborative internal security audit will be conducted under the chairmanship of Dr. Puneet Kaur, with one representative from each union. They are overseeing security arrangements, such as proper locking mechanisms, and have identified poorly lit areas that require attention,” she added.
Regarding current security measures at the hospital, Dr. Dada informed, “At present, there are 2,900 security guards at AIIMS and 2,815 CCTV cameras. Additionally, AI-enabled CCTV cameras will be installed at every entry point to identify ‘suspicious individuals.’”
Earlier, the Supreme Court also urged doctors to resume work and formed a National Task Force (NTF) to formulate protocols for ensuring the safety and security of medical professionals at the workplace.
The ongoing protest is in response to the rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital earlier this month, which triggered a nationwide protest by doctors and medical professionals demanding central legislation to ensure their safety at workplaces.
