New Delhi:
Condemning violence in West Bengal, AIIMS resident doctors on Thursday announced that they will boycott work on June 14. Expressing concern over ongoing and worsening of violence against medical doctors in the state, they also urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to intervene in the matter and address the security concerns so that residents can continue serving patients.
Several resident doctors at the AIIMS here worked with bandages on their heads in a symbolic protest and have decided to boycott work on Friday in solidarity with the doctors protesting against an attack on their colleagues in West Bengal.
Condemning the violence in West Bengal, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) has also urged the RDAs across the country to join the token strike.
"There is a complete breakdown of law and order, with reports of mobs attacking doctor hostels with weapons. The government has failed to provide protection and justice to doctors," AIIMS RDA said in a statement issued.
"AIIMS RDA condemns this in words and in spirit. Residents across the country are deeply hurt by these turn of events. Keeping in view of our commitment towards safe and non-violent working environment for residents, AIIMS RDA stands in support of our colleagues in West Bengal and has decided to hold protest on June 13 which would be followed by one day strike of work on June 14 which include OPD, routine and ward services except for emergency services," it said.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Wednesday directed the members of all its state branches to stage protests and wear black badges on Friday.
In a communique to all its state presidents and secretaries, the IMA has asked them to organise demonstrations in front of the district collectors' offices from 10 am to 12 noon on Friday and hand over a memorandum addressed to the prime minister to the collectors in every district.
The Delhi Medical Association (DMA) has also urged its members to observe a "Black Day" on Thursday against the brutal attack.
Simultaneously, all the local branches and individual members of the IMA will send an appeal to the prime minister and the Union home minister, demanding a central Act on violence against doctors and hospitals.
Meanwhile, members of Joint Platform of Doctors has announced that they will continue the agitation till action is taken against attackers.
"We demand adequate security in every medical college and hospital and proper action against those who attacked doctors in NRS Hospital on June 10. We will resume working as soon as our demands are fulfilled," Members of Joint Platform of Doctors said after meeting with the Governor.
Banerjee, who earlier gave a four hours ultimatum to doctors for returning to work, has written a letter to senior doctors/professors of medical colleges & hospitals requesting them to take care of patients and poor people.
"Please take care of all patients, poor people are coming from all districts. I'll be obliged & honored if you all please take full care of hospitals. they must run smoothly & peacefully," the letter reads.
