Himachal Pradesh: Doctors march towards Secretariat demanding justice for Kolkata rape-murder victim

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 20 (ANI): Several doctors in Shimla marched towards the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat on Tuesday, demanding justice for the rape and murder of the female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
The doctors also demanded enhanced safety and security for the medical personnel in Himachal Pradesh.

Speaking to ANI, Dr Abhishek Sharma said that the main demand of the doctors is to seek justice for the rape victim and he further added that the government had tried to shield the accused and impose a form of dictatorship.
"Our main demand is to seek justice for the West Bengal rape victim. The incident has shocked the nation. We believe the government tried to shield the accused and imposed a form of dictatorship," he said.
Further, he added that the Central Protection Act has not been implemented yet, which has left doctors around the country vulnerable. He further added that after eight days of protesting when the demands were not met, the doctors approached the government.
"The Central Protection Act has not been effectively implemented, leaving doctors vulnerable. We were disappointed after protesting for eight days, and we decided to escalate our issues with the government. Over 1,000 people participated, and although we had to leave after a long wait, our seniors are now in discussions with the government," said Dr Sharma.

Further, following the march by the doctors, the representatives from the State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMADCOT), Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Government Dental College (GDC) and the Resident Doctors Association met the Chief Minister, Health Minister and the health officers.
The Chief Minister assured the doctors of proper safety and security measures.
Dr Balbir Verma, President of SAMADCOT, said that the CM assured that the demands of the doctors would be met and that further meetings would be held with the resident doctors and SAMADCOT.
"The Chief Minister has assured us of addressing our demands, marking a positive development. We will hold further meetings with the Resident Doctors Association and SAMADCOT this afternoon, and we anticipate positive outcomes. Although some doctors left due to the long waiting time, the key takeaway is that the Chief Minister has acknowledged our concerns and is committed to addressing our safety and security issues," Verma said.
Another protestor, Dr Priya, expressed the prevailing sense of insecurity among the students and the medical professionals and said that it was unfortunate for the doctors to take to the streets for justice of the victim.
"It is deeply unfortunate that we must take to the streets to demand justice for the brutal gang rape of a female doctor who was on duty for 36 hours serving the nation. Her gang rape and murder are unacceptable. The fear and insecurity we feel are pervasive. If we are not safe while serving and saving lives, where else are we safe? We have come together seeking justice and equality for her sacrifice," said Dr. Priya.
She added how the incident has created a sense of fear among the doctors.
Verma said, "There was no fear before, but this horrific incident has opened our eyes. The threat could be anywhere in Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, or any other Indian state. We are not safe." (ANI)