Delhi's GTB Hospital Doctors Strike Indefinitely After Patient Murder

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

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj announced that a security review of all hospitals would be conducted, stressing that negligence would not be tolerated. The victim, 32-year-old Riyazuddin, was shot by a teenager in front of doctors and relatives.

Security Concerns and Strike

The RDA stated that their long-standing demands for increased security had been ignored by the city government, leading to this tragic event. "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," an RDA spokesperson said in the statement.

The strike will persist until fundamental security improvements are effectively implemented and communicated. Despite the strike, emergency services will remain operational.

Incident Details

Riyazuddin had been admitted to the hospital on June 23 for an abdominal infection and was operated on June 24 for perforation peritonitis. The police have reviewed CCTV footage from the hospital and are investigating the case.

The 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.

Calls for Immediate Action

Mathur emphasised the need for immediate action from the Ministry of Health. "While the Central Protection Act should be tabled in Parliament without delay, it is imperative that the Ministry of Health immediately releases Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to beef up security at all major government hospitals," he said.

Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) Chairperson Rohan Krishnan echoed these sentiments, criticising the state of Delhi government hospitals. He termed them as a land of lawlessness with no administration.

The hospital's statement confirmed Riyazuddin's admission date as June 22 and his surgery date as June 24. The police are actively working on the case, reviewing CCTV footage to gather more information.

The shooting has highlighted significant security lapses within hospital premises. The RDA's indefinite strike aims to pressurise authorities into taking immediate action to ensure a safer working environment for medical professionals.

This incident has brought attention to the urgent need for improved security measures in hospitals across Delhi. The medical community is united in demanding swift and effective changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.