In Hyderabad, doctors showed their anger and sadness by wearing black badges on Tuesday. This was in response to the tragic rape and murder of a medical student in West Bengal.
Protests took place at hospitals like Osmania and Gandhi in Telangana. Doctors wore black badges to demand justice for the victim and better safety for medical staff in hospitals. Reports of similar protests were noted in various districts, teaching hospitals, and other locations throughout Telangana.
The Telangana Junior Doctors’ Association announced a plan to stop outpatient and elective services on August 14. This move was in support of a nationwide protest by resident doctors. The doctors expressed deep sorrow and condemned the cruel crime against their fellow doctor. They criticized how the police in Kolkata handled the situation and felt the need to take stronger actions to ensure justice and safety. After an emergency meeting on August 12 with major Resident Doctors Associations (RDAs), they decided on a national response and set forth specific demands.
Their demands include fair compensation for the victim’s family and a CBI investigation for a clear and transparent look into the crime, due to the unclear reports so far. They also called for the resignation or suspension of officials who tried to mislead the victim’s family and the public about the cause of her death, and who failed to protect her.
The doctors urged for the quick implementation of the CPA Act (2020) to ensure safety at all colleges nationwide.
The All-India Federation of Government Doctors’ Association also announced a protest with black badges on August 16. They demanded a central law to prevent violence against healthcare workers, increased security in government hospitals similar to CISF standards, and changes in the National Medical Commission (NMC).
