Doctors Demand Justice After Student’s Assault

Doctors across Karnataka are speaking out after a second-year postgraduate student at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata was assaulted recently. The Karnataka State Chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has condemned the incident, calling for a thorough and unbiased investigation into the matter.

Prof. Dr. S. Srinivas, the IMA state president, made it clear that they expect authorities to take decisive action within 48 hours. If the culprits are not arrested in this timeframe, they warned that the IMA will be forced to initiate protests across the country.

As part of their response, the IMA has organized a candle march and a press meeting scheduled for August 13, 2024, at 6:30 PM. This has sparked solidarity among doctors, with many joining protests and wearing black badges to show their support for the victim.

In addition, the Karnataka Association of Resident Doctors, known as KARD, is pushing for a CBI investigation into the incident. They demand the suspension of anyone suspected of being involved or of negligence until the investigation concludes.

KARD is also advocating for a strict zero-tolerance policy against violence in medical settings. They highlight the need for comprehensive mental health services for those affected by such incidents and are calling for regular updates from the government to ensure these demands are met.

Furthermore, KARD proposes carrying out regular security audits in medical institutions, establishing trained crisis response teams at all medical colleges, and providing legal protections for healthcare professionals involved in violent incidents. They emphasize the need for fast-tracking violence cases to ensure justice is served.