Following the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, Union Health Minister JP Nadda has directed the National Medical Commission to issue an advisory to ensure a safe workplace environment across medical colleges and institutions.
The incident involving a young PG student in West Bengal is deeply distressing and has shocked the nation. I condemn it and express my profound sorrow that such an inhumane act has occurred. The way the incident was handled and the government’s attempts to hide it are inexcusable. Bengal has become a state where there is no law and order; lawlessness is rampant. The sad reality is that atrocities against women are increasing daily, despite having a female chief minister. This is even more worrying,” says JP Nadda
Key Developments:
- CBI Investigation Ordered: The Calcutta High Court has ordered a CBI probe into the incident. Police are required to submit all relevant documents by 10 am on Wednesday. BJP leader Locket Chatterjee welcomed the CBI investigation, criticizing the initial police handling and demanding full transparency.
- Principal Under Scrutiny: The Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court questioned the decision to reappoint the RG Kar Medical College principal to another position following his resignation. He has been urged to submit a leave application or face legal action.
- NHRC Involvement: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to West Bengal’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, seeking a comprehensive report on the case.
- Indian Medical Association’s Response: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) expressed deep shock over the incident. They have called on the Union Health Ministry to reconsider the Draft Legislation of the “Healthcare Service Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of violence and damage to property) Bill 2019” in Parliament.
- Political Reactions: Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh stressed the seriousness of the situation, while Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for delaying the CBI probe.
Protests and Strikes:
- Nationwide Shutdown: The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has announced a nationwide shutdown of outpatient department (OPD) services starting Tuesday. This move is in response to the tragic incident and ongoing protests.
- Hospital Strikes: Major hospitals in New Delhi, including AIIMS, Maulana Azad Medical College, and Safdarjung Hospital, have joined the strike in solidarity with the protesting doctors.
- Student Protests: Students at Kolkata Medical College have closed the college gates, barring the reappointed principal from entering.
