Friday, 20 September 2024
Friday, 20 September 2024
Hundreds of junior doctors marched towards Swasthya Bhavan, the state health headquarters, on Tuesday to present authorities with five key demands and seek the health secretary’s resignation with no justice in sight a month since the rape-murder of the 31-year-old trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The protesters demanded the state health secretary and the director of health education’s resignation. They marched carrying replicas of brains, eyes and broomsticks.
According to the protesting junior doctors, they plan to give the brains to the health secretary and the director as a reminder of the need for immediate action and reform in the healthcare system. The broomsticks are part of what the doctors call a ‘safai abhijan’ (cleaning campaign) highlighting the need to rid the health department of corruption and inefficiency.
Earlier, in a similar gesture during their protest at Lalbazar on September 3, the junior doctors presented a replica spine to Kolkata Police commissioner Vineet Goyal, criticising his incompetence in handling the RG Kar rape-murder case and sought his resignation.
Here are the five demands of the protesting junior doctors who are at the Swasthya Bhavan
Speedy Justice
Faster identification of individuals involved in the rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College, bringing the motive of the crime at the forefront, and exemplary punishment for those involved.
Protection of Evidence
Identification and prosecution of those involved with evidence tampering in the RG Kar rape-murder.
Resignation of police commissioner Goyal
Kolkata Police commissioner Vineet Goyal should quit given the Supreme Court observed he mishandled the case.
Safe workspace for healthcare workers
The government must secure safety measures for doctors and the healthcare personnel at all medical colleges, hospitals and health care centres across the state.
Fear free environment
State must create a fearless and democratic atmosphere at all medical colleges and hospitals so that doctors and healthcare workers can work without fear of intimidation or interference.
