The RG Kar incident of rape and murder of a postgraduate student has been a brutal attack against humanity. Such an event cannot be compensated by any means. This will discourage bright young students from entering this noble profession. There may be a deterioration in the quality of medical service in the future.

Gender equality and economic independence are essential for the progress of society. Both young boys and girls are encouraged to be successful in their careers. Today women have made a significant impact in male-dominated professions. The medical profession is no exception. The contribution of women in medicine in various superspecialties has been exemplary. The demand for a safe workplace is fully justified. A hospital premises is as sacred as a religious place. It is extremely unfortunate to be tortured mentally and physically in your own hospital.

After the criminals are identified the motive of such a heinous crime will be clear. Whatever the motive, the incident has shaken the people of the city and the country to the core. The anger and the emotional outbursts across professions are easily palpable. The outrage is spontaneous.

The Movement

Protest against this ghastly crime has been worldwide. There have been demonstrations in New York, Canada and London. This unfortunate event has united the common people and the medical profession. It has hurt the conscience of all men and women.

In Calcutta, there were many protests on the night before Independence Day led by women, which was exemplary. People from all walks of life joined this movement to protest. Mostly these demonstrations are devoid of any political colour. There is no political agenda. Punishment of the culprits is the only mission.

The National Indian Medical Association has also joined this protest. There have been demonstrations in various hospitals like AIIMS, Delhi and PGI, Chandigarh.

This is a serious problem of law and order. There should not be any form of political interference. Using such a public movement to enhance political gains should be avoided.

Recently, the East Bengal versus Mohun Bagan derby football match was postponed. The supporters of both these clubs joined to demonstrate against this crime. In the wake of such a heinous crime, our collective solidarity is an unwavering voice demanding justice.

Mistrust

The medical profession does not command the honour and respect it had many decades back. It has become more professional, especially after the advent of corporate hospitals. The respect that the common people had has been eroded to a large extent. The doctor-patient relationship has also deteriorated. The advent of consumer medical cases has further worsened the situation. This mistrust continues to persist.

The present movement has brought the public and medical profession closer. People from all professions have joined the protest against the RG Kar incident. Violence against all medical professionals should stop with immediate effect. Today every person has joined this movement and is demanding a safe workplace and capital punishment for the criminals. This crime against humanity has touched every human being.

Security

During the night and odd hours, proper security services are mandatory for providing medical service. Although essential for women on duty, elderly physicians, too, need security. Proper areas to rest and washrooms must be available for women. Such requirements cannot be disputed as it is a human rights issue.

Working hours cannot stretch beyond 12 hours. It is not at all advisable for any doctor to avoid duties at night at a government hospital. It will compromise training.

The police department has experts to advice on security in the hospitals. A proper system has to be implemented at the earliest. Even private hospitals and nursing homes need to update security services.

Security arrangements should be such that medical work is not compromised. Every medical professional should be able to work without fear. Requesting women doctors to avoid night duties for inadequate security is a regressive step. This spine-chilling criminality has brought to light a dire need to improve the available infrastructure. It should be done on an urgent basis.

The agitation has assumed such proportions that identification of all the criminals involved is essential immediately. While the guilty will be handed capital punishment or not will be decided by court.

This deeply disturbing incident has brought people to the streets all over India and the world. It is a question of women’s rights, indeed of human rights. The severity and cruelty of the incident has evoked deep pain in all of us. A complete change in mentality is essential for those who are involved. They must realise and admit their mistakes. The image of lndia and Bengal has been severely dented by this event. The world awaits the Supreme Court verdict.

The agitation must go on till its final conclusion. However, treatment must be provided in all government hospitals to help patients.

Author is a surgical oncologist trained at the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. At present, he is the clinical lead, department of surgical oncology at Narayana Health Cancer Institute