The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) has announced a protest following an incident involving a senior resident doctor while on duty at the Medicine OPD, raising concerns over the working environment and security of doctors and healthcare personnel.
The association said it would stage a sit-in outside the office of the college principal from 9 am on Thursday, seeking appropriate action in connection with the incident. The RDA has also submitted a memorandum to the college administration listing several measures it wants implemented.
A major concern raised by the doctors’ body is the circulation of videos related to the incident on social media and other platforms. The association has demanded that such videos be taken down and that corrections and apologies be issued if any misleading or inaccurate information was circulated.
The RDA has also urged the authorities to ensure that the professional reputation of the concerned doctor is protected and that no conclusions are reached without hearing the doctor’s version of events. It objected to what it termed a one-sided public or media trial and called for due process in dealing with complaints against medical personnel.
The association further sought restrictions on unauthorised photography and videography inside hospital wards, OPDs and other patient-care areas. It said unrestricted recording could affect the privacy and security of patients, doctors and other healthcare workers.
Seeking legal action over the allegations, the RDA has demanded that the Medical Superintendent initiate an FIR against the person whom the association alleges made false accusations against the resident doctor.
Security arrangements at the hospital also figured prominently in the memorandum. The association has called for the existing SIS security personnel to be replaced by TSR personnel and demanded stronger security measures to ensure the safety of doctors and other healthcare workers.
The RDA said a secure workplace is essential for the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services and urged the administration to address its concerns without delay. The proposed protest is expected to draw attention to the association’s demands and the steps taken by the authorities in response.
