Doctors Demand Safety After Kolkata Hospital Horror

Doctors in Punjab and Haryana protested following the alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor in Kolkata, emphasizing the need for safer working conditions in hospitals. The Indian Medical Association called for a nationwide strike, leading to the suspension of non-emergency services in several hospitals while emergency services continued.

Doctors across Punjab and Haryana staged protests on Saturday, reacting to the alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at Kolkata's R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. The protests sought to stress the urgent need for improved safety measures for healthcare professionals.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) initiated a nationwide strike, which caused disruption in outpatient services and elective surgeries in the states, although emergency services remained operational. Many patients reported difficulties in accessing medical consultations due to the strike.

The Punjab Health Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, announced plans to meet with IMA representatives to discuss healthcare safety concerns. Further, the protests gained momentum with the support of resident doctors and faculty from various medical institutions, including Chandigarh's Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER).