The Incident:
According to hospital staff, two teenagers, believed to be 16 or 17 years old, visited Nima Hospital late at night, seeking treatment for one of their injured toes. After receiving dressing, they requested a prescription and proceeded to Dr. Akhtar's cabin. Moments later, a gunshot was heard, and the doctor was found bleeding from his head.
Investigation:
Police are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the suspects and have stated that the incident appears to be a targeted killing. The teenagers' visit the previous night may have been a reconnaissance mission.
Reaction:
The Delhi government and medical community have condemned the incident. Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the Centre and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena for the deteriorating law and order situation in the national capital. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) questioned why doctors are becoming easy targets in hospitals.
National Context:
This incident follows the Kolkata rape and murder of a doctor, which sparked nationwide protests demanding improved safety for healthcare staff. The Supreme Court has since established a National Task Force to recommend measures ensuring doctors' safety on duty.
Concerns and Implications:
The Delhi doctor's murder has sparked significant concern about violence against healthcare professionals within the medical community. Medical professionals are increasingly worried about being vulnerable to attacks, intimidation, and harassment in their workplaces. Experts claim that this trend undermines the trust between patients and healthcare providers, ultimately affecting patient care. Doctor are demanding for more safety measures to be taken.
Calls to Action from Doctors:
1. Enhanced security measures in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
2. Improved emergency response systems.
3. Increased accountability for perpetrators of violence.
4. National policy reforms to ensure healthcare professionals' safety.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Vaishnavi Dalvi/MSM)