PGIMER doctors in Chandigarh continue their protests; start 'Open OPD' on site

By Pradeep Sheokand
Chandigarh [India], August 21: The doctors of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh continued their demonstration on Wednesday against the alleged sexual assault and murder of a resident doctor in Kolkata.
The doctor's demonstration has continued for over ten days with the doctors saying that the demonstration will continue until their demands are met. The main demands put forward are to ensure justice for the trainee doctor in Kolkata and the enforcement of the Central Protection Act.
The alleged sexual assault and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical and Hospital in Kolkata has garnered a wave of outrage from doctors and the general public across the country.
The protesting doctors said that they were aware of both their rights and duties. "This movement will continue until justice is served", said one doctor.
The doctors have opened up an 'Open OPD', where they treat patients on the demonstration site itself. The PGIMER doctors also said that they are trying to fulfil their responsibility to treat the patients. The doctors have decided to treat the patients on the spot of the demonstration, to ensure that those who come from far away and other serious patients with ailments do not have to face any trouble.
Some patients have also expressed that having the OPD has benefitted them. "We come from far away, and if the doctors don't treat us then we face a lot of difficulties, so this is a good step by the doctors", one patient revealed. Other patients also expressed their support of the demonstration by doctors, saying that the government should fulfil the demands of doctors at the earliest.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday constituted a 10-member National Task Force to make recommendations on the prevention of violence and safe working conditions for medical professionals. The task force includes Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, among others.
The trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. (ANI)