SMCH Principal and Junior Doctors Lead Demonstration Demanding Justice for RG Kar Victim

In solidarity with the nationwide protests demanding justice for the victim of RG Kar Hospital and greater protection for healthcare professionals, the Junior Doctor’s Association of Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) has actively participated in the demonstrations. Over the past three days, the SMCH campus has been the site of rallies, sit-in demonstrations, and protests. While the Out Patient’s Department (OPD) remained closed for two days during the protest, emergency services, trauma care, and the treatment of admitted patients continued uninterrupted.

The last leg of the protest, held this Sunday, saw a powerful show of unity as the Junior Doctors were joined by the Principal of the medical college, senior faculty members, and the teacher’s association. Together, they chanted slogans, performed a stirring street play, and held a candlelight vigil at the Khudiram Bose statue on Club Road, Silchar, making a resounding statement in support of their cause.

Speaking at the demonstration, held at Khudiram Bose’s statue on Club Road, Silchar, Dr Bhaskar Gupta expressed his condemnation of the attack at RG Kar Hospital. “As the Principal and a father of two daughters, I strongly condemn what has happened in Kolkata. This is a blot on our civilised society. We are deeply concerned about the incident and are taking steps to address security concerns at our hospital,” he stated. Dr Gupta assured that many of the demands made by the JDA have been met, and discussions are ongoing to resolve the remaining issues. He also praised the junior doctors for their cooperation during the protests, ensuring that patient care was not compromised.

Dr Minerva Sarma, a representative of the JDA, reiterated the association’s demands for increased security measures and justice for the victim in Kolkata. “Today is Day 3 of our protest, and we stand united with RG Kar Hospital and against the heinous crime committed against one of our colleagues. Our demands are simple: we want the safety of our medical staff and doctors, and we want justice for the victim,” she said.

Another JDA member emphasized the importance of safety for healthcare workers, noting, “If we can’t do our job in safety, patients will suffer. The public might think that doctors are not on duty, but that’s not true. We have full manpower in the emergency ward and are always with the patients. However, we must have the security to do our duty.”

Dr Gajananda Choudhury of the JDA has also condemned the West Bengal Chief Minister who holds the portfolio of both Health and Home Ministry who took out of rally against the heinous crime at the state where her government is in power instead of serving justice to the victim.

Dr Drohadeep Bhattacharya questioned to what extent their series of protests will be successful if people are not aware of what is happening in the country. “The constitution that grants us freedom of speech and expression, that same freedom and independence of ours was quashed by a state machinery on the same day we celebrate our Independence Day, if this is not ironical enough I don’t know what is”, said the junior doctor.

The protests have seen widespread support, with students from the Dental College, Lab Technicians, Pharmaceuticals Department, and Nursing College joining in solidarity.

The JDA has presented a list of demands to the hospital administration, which includes the deployment of private security personnel at night, improved lighting and road conditions within the hospital campus, and the implementation of strict visiting hours. The association has also called for the provision of ID cards for all staff members and enhanced privacy measures to protect against unauthorized photography and stalking.

The Principal assured that the administration is taking these demands seriously and will work towards fulfilling them to ensure the safety and well-being of all hospital staff and patients.