Jammu, August 15, 2024 — The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences (ASCOMS) and Hospital, Jammu, has issued a press release expressing their deep concern and outrage over the recent tragic incident at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. On August 9, 2024, a second-year female postgraduate resident in chest medicine was brutally sexually assaulted and murdered in the hospital’s seminar hall, a crime that has shocked the entire medical community across India.
In response to this horrific event, medical professionals across the nation have initiated protests demanding justice and stronger security measures for healthcare workers. Joining this nationwide movement, the RDA at ASCOMS, along with interns, undergraduate students, and nursing staff, has declared their full support and participation in the protests.
In a press release, the RDA stated, “This crime should awaken the human inside us and should move our souls to join this movement. We implore everybody to join us.” They extended their deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and fellow residents, emphasizing the need for immediate and unbiased investigation and action.
The RDA has put forth several demands, including:
- Immediate justice for the victim through an unbiased CBI investigation and the swift identification of all culprits.
- Exemplary punishment for the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
- Nationwide implementation of a strict “Central Healthcare Protection Act” to safeguard medical professionals.
- Assurance of security for all doctors across India, under stringent regulations governed by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Impact on Hospital Services
In light of their participation in the protest, the RDA has announced that all Outpatient Department (OPD) services and elective surgeries at ASCOMS Hospital, Jammu, will be temporarily suspended starting August 16, 2024. The association has urged the public to refrain from visiting the hospital for non-urgent or minimal complaints during this period.
However, the RDA has assured that emergency services, including NICU, SICU, and MICU, will remain fully operational. Patients in critical condition or requiring urgent care will be attended to by the hospital’s emergency team.
The Resident Doctors’ Association expressed their regret for any inconvenience this strike may cause to the public and thanked the community for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.
Public and Institutional Response
The RDA’s press release was copied to the Director Principal and Medical Superintendent of ASCOMS Hospital, all Heads of Departments, the Resident Doctors’ Association at GMC Jammu, media houses across Jammu and Kashmir, and other affiliated medical centers.
The strike at ASCOMS is part of a broader movement within the medical fraternity, demanding safety, justice, and better working conditions for healthcare professionals nationwide. The public is urged to stay informed and support the ongoing struggle for a safer and more just healthcare system in India.
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