Delhi's GTB Hospital Doctors Strike Indefinitely After Patient Murder

A patient was shot dead inside a ward at GTB Hospital on Sunday, prompting the Residents Doctors Association (RDA) to declare an indefinite strike over safety concerns. The incident has been condemned by various doctors' associations.

The victim, Riyazuddin, 32, was admitted on June 23 for an abdominal infection. A teenager shot him inside the hospital ward. Following the incident, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj announced a security review of all hospitals, stating that negligence would not be tolerated.

Doctors Demand Enhanced Security

According to an RDA statement, the strike is a result of their long-standing demand for better security being ignored by the city government. "Our repeated appeals for enhanced security have been ignored, culminating in this tragic event. Until the Delhi Government ensures a secure environment for everyone within the hospital, we cannot continue our duties," said an RDA spokesperson.

The strike will persist until significant security improvements are implemented and communicated effectively. However, emergency services will remain operational during this period.

Calls for Immediate Action

Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) described the incident as a mafia-like killing. "The recent incident of violence at GTB Hospital underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures for our doctors," said FORDA president Aviral Mathur.

Mathur also urged that the Central Protection Act be tabled in Parliament without delay and called for immediate release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by the Ministry of Health to bolster security at major government hospitals.

Condemnation from Medical Associations

Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) Chairperson Rohan Krishnan echoed similar sentiments. He termed Delhi government hospitals as lawless with no administration. "The recent incident highlights the dire need for stringent security protocols to protect healthcare workers," he stated.

The RDA's indefinite strike is a clear message to authorities about the urgency of addressing safety concerns in hospitals. The medical community is united in demanding immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future.

The situation remains tense as doctors await concrete steps from the government to ensure their safety while they perform their duties. The call for improved security measures is not just about protecting doctors but also ensuring a safe environment for patients and staff alike.