On Sunday, 71 Padma awardee doctors wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing deep concern over the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. They have requested his immediate intervention to address the issue and combat violence against healthcare professionals.
In their letter, the doctors highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “We, the undersigned Padma Awardee doctors, write to you with deep concern regarding the horrific events at RG Kar Medical College. As the head of our nation, we implore your immediate intervention to address this alarming situation. Such brutality undermines the very essence of medical service and emphasizes the urgent need to combat violence, particularly against women, girls, and healthcare professionals.”
The doctors urged both central and state governments to quickly enact a specific law to protect healthcare workers, pointing out that a bill proposed in 2019, “The Prevention of Violence Against Doctors, Medical Professionals and Medical Institutions Bill,” has yet to be passed. They called for the introduction of an ordinance and swift passage of the bill to ensure the safety of those working in healthcare.
Dr. AK Bhalla, Secretary of the Board of Management at Sir Gangaram Hospital, and a Padma Awardee, emphasized the need for time-bound punishment for offenders and enhanced safety measures in medical institutions. Dr. Anil Kohli, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee and President of the Dental Council of India, condemned the violence, stating it is an attack on the care that binds society. Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Padma Shri and Founder of Mahajan Imaging Centre, called for immediate legislative action to protect healthcare workers from abuse.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with the Supreme Court scheduling a hearing for August 20. Protests by junior doctors, students, and football fans have led to the cancellation of a Durand Cup match. On August 9, the rape and murder of the postgraduate trainee doctor led to massive protests, and on August 14, the RG Kar Medical College campus was vandalized, prompting police intervention. To maintain order, Kolkata police have imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, around the hospital from August 18 to 24.