Nagaland doctors join nationwide protest, health care services disrupted

August 18, 2024 8 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 18

Doctors across Nagaland on Saturday participated in a nationwide protest condemning the recent rape and murder of a young postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkota and demanding exemplary punishment for the culprits and a central law to ensure safety of medical professionals.

Responding to this call, hospitals and clinics across Nagaland displayed a notably deserted look, with out-patient and non-essential services coming to a halt, as most doctors were absent from work.

As a result of the strike, many patients found themselves unexpectedly affected. Individuals who had scheduled appointments or needed routine medical care arrived at hospitals and clinics only to find them closed. Numerous patients, some of whom had traveled long distances or taken time off work, were forced to return home without receiving the care they needed.

According to a PTI report, IMANSB honorary secretary doctor Aonungdok Tushi Ao said they stand with the IMA’s call for the nationwide strike in solidarity with the protesting medics. An official of the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima infromed outpatient department (OPD) was closed while emergency services were operational.

IDANSB emphasised the need for a safe working environment for all healthcare professionals and pledged continued support for efforts to ensure justice and protection for those in the field. Members of NIDA in solidarity with the bereaved family of the victim wore black bands and badges, the PTI report said.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Nagaland Branch had issued a directive to all district branches, urging them to comply with the IMA headquarters’ call for a 24-hour strike in solidarity with their colleagues.

The Indian Medical Association’s Nagaland branch, along with the Nagaland Private Doctors Association had also expressed support with the strike, urging all private practitioners of modern medicine to join the nationwide demonstration. The Indian Dental Association, Nagaland state branch, also announced its participation in the protest.

Despite the widespread participation in the strike, emergency services and pharmacies remained operational as they were exempted from the purview of the strike.

Inner Wheel Club Dimapur joins protest
Joining the call for a nation-wide strike for the RG Kar Medical College rape case, the Inner Wheel Club of Dimapur organised a protest cum legal awareness programme at the Rotary Club hall, Dimapur on August 17.

Over a hundred individuals came together to show their solidarity which include representative from women’s organizations and the legal fraternity. “We are here today to protest against the heinous crime committed on the female doctor,” stated Shobha Jain, President of Inner Wheel Club, Dimapur. We believe that the public should be informed of this protest as it reflects the growing concern for the safety and dignity of healthcare professionals and the broader issue of violence against women, she informed.

The event also provided a legal awareness seminar highlighting the rights and safety measures available to women, she said.

Taking strong exception, several speakers expressed their deep resentment against the male perpetrators and emphasised the collective need for societal change on this issue. They also advocated for a societal shift towards respect and equality for women, advocating for stronger laws and greater public awareness. Further, the participants wore black badges as a sign of their indignation.

At the same time, the club also stated that a joint declaration-condemnation letter will be submitted to Nagaland Governor La Ganesan demanding swift justice for the victim’s family and the need for sensitizing the public on women’s safety and gender equality.

The letter was signed by representatives from the Jain Mahila Samaj, Sanmati Mahila Panishad, Dimapur Bongs, JCI Dimapur, Lions Club Dimapur, Rotary Club Dimapur, Bharat Vikas Parisad Dimapur among others.