Despite the harsh rape and killing of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, some associations of doctors have called off their strike across several States; this was on Thursday (August 22, 2024). However, those from Telangana went on with their strike even on Friday (August 23, 2024), which is the tenth day of the protest.
“Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA) will not stop striking until we are assured that our safety concerns are well addressed”, noted Dr. Kommu Rahul, president of T- Junior Doctors Association (JUDA). “We want to get a written guarantee from state government within two weeks after what happened in Supreme Court for trying to protect the fundamental safety-security matters among all hospitals and medical colleges in Telangana. We shall not call off our action until such time,” he stated.
NIMS doctors in Hyderabad shared similar sentiments. “As directed by the Supreme Court, we are willing to resume work. But health is a state issue hence we are requesting the government of Telangana through writing within a given timeframe to make sure that healthcare workers practice in an environment that is safe and secure,” said Dr Rajkiran Emmadi, ‘President of Resident Doctors’ Association at NIMS. “This would help prevent future tragedies as occurred at RG Kar Medical College.”
Other demands include justice for the victim and her family by NIMS doctors together with amendment and enforcement of ‘The Telangana Medicare Service Persons and Medical Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act 2006.’ They also want SPF deployed immediately so that more security personnel can be provided at hospitals.
