Doctors at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh held a protest on Monday, condemning the horrific rape and murder of a 24-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The victim was found dead in her hostel room on September 14, 2024, a tragedy that has sent shockwaves throughout the medical community.
The protest saw hundreds of resident doctors, faculty members, and medical students form a human chain on the PGIMER campus, demanding justice for the young doctor and raising concerns about the safety of medical professionals, particularly women, in their workplaces and residences. The peaceful demonstration involved participants holding placards with messages such as “Justice for Our Colleague” and “Protect Medical Professionals.”
Doctors from PGIMER expressed deep anguish and frustration over the incident, emphasizing the need for more robust security measures in medical institutions. “This is not just about one doctor, it’s about the safety of all healthcare workers. We need a system that protects us,” said one of the protesting doctors.
Faculty members joined in the protest, urging authorities to act swiftly and ensure that those responsible for the brutal crime are brought to justice. “This horrific crime reflects a deep societal failure. Medical professionals work tirelessly to save lives, and the least we deserve is to feel safe in our homes and workplaces,” one faculty member stated.
The protest at PGIMER is part of a larger, nationwide outcry from the medical community. Medical associations and institutions across India have condemned the incident and called for urgent action to improve the security of healthcare workers, especially women.
The police have intensified their investigation and assured the public that swift action would be taken to apprehend the perpetrators. Authorities are reviewing security arrangements in medical colleges, with promises of enhanced surveillance and safety protocols.
This tragic incident has once again highlighted the dangers that medical professionals, especially women, face in their work environments. The protest at PGIMER reflects the growing demand for accountability and immediate measures to prevent such incidents in the future. As investigations continue, healthcare workers' call for justice and protection grows louder.
