NEW DELHI: The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday described the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College as “so gruesome,” acknowledging the justified outrage from protesting doctors.
The court’s remarks came during hearings on the incident, which has sparked nationwide anger. “We cannot gag the press…what assurance are you (State) giving to doctors? They are hurt. The incident is so gruesome. They (doctors) are justified in expressing their emotions,” the court said, as per sources.
In response to the crisis, the court directed Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the RG Kar Medical College, to take an extended leave. Dr. Ghosh resigned from his position on Monday and was swiftly appointed as the principal of the CNMC College within hours. The court also requested to see Dr. Ghosh’s resignation letter to review its contents.
The tragic incident has led to widespread protests by doctors across the country. In Delhi, a massive strike by resident doctors has paralyzed healthcare services. AIIMS Delhi, which handles about 10,000 patients daily, saw a 20% drop in registrations, with surgeries, admissions, and lab services declining by 80%, 35%, and 25%, respectively. Emergency services were also disrupted.
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At AIIMS, around 1,000 junior and senior resident doctors staged a march demanding justice for the deceased doctor and called for a central agency investigation and judicial inquiry.
Safdarjung Hospital saw elective surgeries postponed, and faculty members were stationed in the OPD until 3 pm. Approximately 1,500 resident doctors participated in protests in front of the Emergency Building.
At RML Hospital, about 300-400 resident doctors did not attend OPD services, although emergency services continued. Dr Ajay Shukla, Medical Superintendent of RML Hospital, indicated that a contingency plan was in place, with faculty members covering for the striking doctors.
At Delhi government’s largest Hospital, Lok Nayak, OPD services were suspended while emergency services continued.
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The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has demanded an impartial investigation and improved safety measures for doctors, particularly women.
The victim, a post-graduate trainee doctor, was found murdered in a seminar hall at the RG Kar Medical College. The autopsy revealed she had been raped and tortured, with severe injuries and bleeding from her eyes, mouth and private parts.
One suspect, Sanjoy Roy, has been arrested so far in connection with the crime, and the police have summoned four junior doctors who were on duty with the victim.