Security remains unsatisfactory at Delhi hospitals

MONTHS after junior doctors across the country went on strike following the brutal rape and murder of a female colleague in Kolkata, security measures at Delhi's government hospitals remain inadequate.

- ASHISH SRIVASTAVA

The tragic incident sparked nationwide outrage and calls for a central law to protect healthcare workers, alongside demands for better security, workplace conditions, and swift legal action against those who harm medical professionals.

In Delhi, the Resident Doctors Associations (RDAs) of seven government hospitals led the protests.

However, despite several promises from authorities, doctors continue to express dissatisfaction with the progress made.

"The improvement in security measures is far from satisfactory, even after four months," said Dr Rajat Sharma, president of the RDA at Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital. Recent incidents highlight the risks healthcare workers still face. At Safdarjung Hospital, an IPS officer verbally assaulted a resident doctor, while at GTB Hospital, a crowd barged into the duty room and threatened to kill a medical intern.

"Just a few days ago, the administration fast-tracked a proposal to enhance security measures, but only after repeated reminders. This reflects their lack of seriousness in addressing workplace violence," Dr Sharma added.