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The brutal murder and gang rape of a woman trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal has triggered widespread outrage and a strong response from the medical community, particularly in Tripura. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Tripura has taken a significant stand by suspending outpatient department (OPD) services across all public health centers in the state as a form of protest, demanding justice for the victim and better protection for healthcare professionals.
Doctors and healthcare workers have expressed their deep concerns through protests, sit-ins, and demonstrations, with many calling for the implementation of a central protection act to ensure the safety of those in the medical field. The suspension of OPD services has affected numerous health centers, including Primary Health Centers, Community Health Centers, and sub-divisional health centers, causing a significant disruption in healthcare services.
While emergency services have been maintained, the protest has led to the suspension of elective surgeries and slowed down hospital operations in several regions. The protest, which is set to continue, highlights the urgent need for action to protect healthcare workers and ensure justice for the victim.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of healthcare professionals and the need for stronger measures to safeguard their well-being.
In the meantime, the Centre has urged agitating doctors to resume their duties in the larger public interest and in view of the rising cases of dengue and malaria, while assuring them of setting up a committee to suggest measures for ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals.
The request was made to representatives of Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Resident Doctors’ Associations of Governmental Medical Colleges & Hospitals of Delhi when they met officials of the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare here in the aftermath of the incident against a resident doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata.
The Associations put forth their demands regarding their concern over the safety and security of healthcare workers at the workplace.
The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare officials heard the demands of the representatives and assured them of all possible efforts to ensure the security of healthcare professionals, according to an official release.
The representatives of all the Associations were informed that the Government is well aware of the situation and is sensitive to their demands.
It was observed that 26 States have already passed legislation for protection of healthcare workers in their respective states.
