Vamshi
Hospitals all over India are facing major disruptions as healthcare workers are protesting under the slogan “No Safety, No Duty.” This protest began because of serious concerns about the safety of doctors and other healthcare workers, especially after a tragic incident in Kolkata where a 31-year-old female doctor was brutally attacked and killed.
What Triggered the Protests?
The tragic incident that sparked these protests took place at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. A female doctor was assaulted and murdered after working nearly 20 hours straight. This horrific event has caused widespread fear and anger among healthcare workers, who feel that they are not safe in their workplaces.
The Nature of the Protests
The protests were organized by major doctor associations, including the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) and the Indian Medical Association (IMA). These organizations are demanding better safety measures in hospitals. As part of the protest, doctors have stopped working in non-emergency departments, leading to a major disruption in hospital services across the country.
In many cities, including Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and Lucknow, outpatient services and elective surgeries have been halted. For example, in Delhi, the number of surgeries has dropped by 80%, and hospital admissions have decreased by 35% due to the strike.
What Are the Healthcare Workers Demanding?
The protesting doctors have several demands:
- Resignation of Responsible Officials: They want the resignation of the officials who failed to protect the doctor in Kolkata.
- Central Law for Protection: They are calling for a new central law that would offer better protection for healthcare workers, as existing state laws are not effective enough.
- Better Security Measures: The doctors are also asking for stricter security protocols in hospitals to ensure their safety.
Impact on the Public
These protests have caused a lot of inconvenience to patients and their families, as many hospitals have shut down non-emergency services. In some places, patients were seen banging on the doors of closed outpatient departments, demanding treatment. However, the doctors remain firm in their demands, believing that their safety is crucial for them to continue providing care.
Conclusion
The “No Safety, No Duty” protests highlight serious issues within India’s healthcare system. Doctors and other healthcare workers are demanding better protection so they can do their jobs safely. It is now up to the government to respond to these demands and take necessary actions to protect the people who take care of the nation’s health.
