Bhubaneshwar: Odisha doctors on Sunday demanded justice for the alleged rape and murder of a resident doctor at a medical college in Kolkata. Resident doctors want the government to ensure the security of healthcare providers working in hospitals across the country, including Odisha.
The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, expressed deep concern and outrage regarding the tragic death of a second-year chest medicine PG resident at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata.
“This horrifying incident once again underscores the severe deficiencies in the security systems within our medical institutions across the country. We demand a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation into this heinous crime. The perpetrators must be apprehended and brought to justice with the severest possible penalties,” said association president Ramanaresh Yadav.
The RDA urged the govt to expedite the implementation of the ‘Central Protection Act for Doctors’ to safeguard the lives and well-being of healthcare professionals. “Ensuring a safe working environment for doctors is not only necessary but long overdue, and such measures must be taken without any further delay,” said the official statement of the association.
Yadav said he will update the upcoming course of action in further notices. “We will discuss with our association members the announcement of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) for a nationwide halting of elective services in hospitals from Monday in solidarity with the deceased doctor,” he added.
The Resident Doctors’ Association at AIIMS Bhubaneswar also condemned the incident and extended solidarity to the cause of resident doctors of RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata. “Immediate and decisive action is needed to protect healthcare workers and prevent such tragedies from happening again. We stand united in grief and outrage and will not rest until justice is served,” said association president Suman Sahoo.
Students Associations of AIIMS Bhubaneswar and other medical colleges also demanded the government implement robust security measures and support systems to safeguard all medical professionals and students.
Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) president Narayan Rout condemned the incident and demanded justice for the deceased woman doctor. “We will discuss the next course of action after holding a meeting with our members,” he added.
