Doctor rape-murder: Hyderabad doctors boycott OP, elective services
Hyderabad: Following Indian Medical Association’s call for a nationwide boycott of services and demand for justice for the rape-murder of the doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, the medical fraternity in Hyderabad gathered at Dharna Chowk, withdrawing themselves from out-patient and elective services on Saturday to press the demand for the implementation of the Central Protection Act for healthcare professionals. Emergency services were not affected.
The senior residents and doctors began their 24-hour strike at 6 am on Saturday. Teaching doctors were on strike only for an hour, from 9 am, and returned to work. The strike is likely to be extended on Sunday as well, with more organisations joining in.
The IMA doctors were supported by TJUDA (Telangana Junior Doctors Association) and RDA (Resident Doctors Association), as well as other associations such as Telangana Teaching Government Doctors Association (TTGDA), Public Health Doctors Association (TPHDA) and the Indian Dental Association (IDA). The members of Telagana Medical Council were also present.
The sit-in was attended by TJUDA and RDA from Osmania, Gandhi, NIMS and AIIMS as well. Individual protests were held at Niloufer and NIMS hospitals as well. Institute of Mental Health, Hyderabad also supported the medical fraternity on Saturday.
There were reports of black badge protests and strikes at government medical colleges and hospitals in almost all the districts. Doctors were supported by nursing officers and non-teaching staff.
Private hospitals also participated in the protests and gathered within their hospital premises. Doctors at KIMS, Yashoda, Apollo, Care, Star, Rainbow had announced strike on Friday after IMA’s call.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, KIMS Hospitals Group MD and chairman Dr Bhaskar Rao stressed upon a strengthened governance system, establishment of a mechanism for handling security issues in an effective manner and highlighted the need for better communication within the hospital employees.
“Communication codes needs to be established and constant drills need to be organized every month to prepare employees what to do in case of an attack. For that, coordination and support of the authorities and administration is very important,” Dr Rao said.
TJUDA and RDA strikes continued for the fourth consecutive day with Osmania junior doctors supporting Gandhi in their protests. Candlelight vigils and rallies were organised in college premises and at Padmaraonagar.
