Meghalaya Joins Nationwide Strike Over Kolkata Doctor’s Rape-Murder
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 17: In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, Meghalaya’s medical fraternity joined the Indian Medical Association’s 24-hour nationwide strike on Saturday, protesting the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This strike aimed to demand justice for the victim and advocate for a central law to protect healthcare workers.
The strike resulted in a complete shutdown of outpatient departments (OPDs) across the state, though emergency and inpatient services continued unhindered. Professors, resident doctors, medical and nursing students from the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) participated in a peaceful protest, displaying placards with messages like "Stop Violence" and "We Want Justice."
In his address, NEIGRIHMS Director Nalin Mehta condemned the "heinous crime" and emphasized the urgent need for stronger safety measures for healthcare professionals. He called for collective action to prevent such incidents and reiterated his responsibility to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone at the institution.
Private hospitals across Shillong, including Woodland Hospital and Bethany Hospital, saw similar peaceful protests. Doctors from Mawkyrwat Civil Hospital, Jowai Civil Hospital, and Shillong Civil Hospital also joined the strike, attending only to emergency cases.
The Meghalaya Medical Services Association and the All India Federation of Government Doctors’ Association extended their support, stressing the pressing need for legal protection. NEIGRIHMS Resident Doctors’ Association General Secretary Dr. Indranil Banerjee advocated for immediate action and stronger laws such as the proposed Central Protection Act for Healthcare Workers. The NEIGRIHMS Faculty and Nurses Associations echoed these sentiments, condemning the incident and calling for swift justice.
In addition to condemning the Kolkata incident, the movements also addressed a similar case in Uttarakhand, reflecting the widespread concern for healthcare professionals’ safety. The NEIGRIHMS Students’ Council and the Nazareth Hospital Workers’ Union joined the call for immediate measures to ensure a secure working environment.
As the strike concluded, healthcare professionals across Meghalaya expressed deep condolences and voiced a united demand for a transparent investigation, swift justice, and implementation of safety laws to protect those who work tirelessly in healthcare.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/08/18/healthcare-affected-in-state-as-opd-services-remain-shut/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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