Hospitals across Meghalaya have declared that the out-patient and non-emergency services would be shut down for 24 hours starting 6 am tomorrow till 6 am on August 18.
This decision followed the announcement of protest by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) demanding justice for the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata earlier this week.
Bethany Hospitals will suspend outpatient services in Shillong, Nongpoh, Umsning, and Byrnihat on August 17.
“The hospital group aims to highlight the need for improved safety and respect for healthcare workers. Despite the OPD closure, emergency services will remain operational to ensure critical care needs are met,” Bethany Hospitals said.
Dr. Kyntiewlang Sanmiet, spokesperson for Bethany Hospitals, emphasised the importance of the protest. “Our participation reflects the urgent need to address the safety concerns of healthcare professionals,” he stated.
In addition to the service suspension, Bethany Hospitals held candlelight vigils at its Shillong and Nongpoh premises at 6 pm today.
Similarly, Supercare Hospital will close its OPD functions for 24 hours from 6 am tomorrow to 6 am of August 18. The hospital said that all essential services will be available for those in need of emergency care.
Moreover, doctors at the Mawkyrwat Civil Hospital will not perform OPD duty tomorrow. However, emergency services will remain open.
“We stand together for the safety and respect of all healthcare professionals,” said the Medical Superintendent of Mawkyrwat Civil Hospital in a statement today.
Government doctors at all hospitals in Meghalaya also today observed a black badge protest.
The government doctors who are members of Meghalaya Medical Services Association (MMSA) joined the protest in solidarity with the All India Federation of Government Doctors’ Association (AIFGDA).
“By wearing black badges, we stand united with our fellow doctors across the country to condemn this act of violence and to call for immediate justice. The safety and security of healthcare professionals are paramount and such incidents must not go unaddressed,” the MMSA said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Nazareth Hospital Workers Union (NHWU) has condemned the rape and murder of the 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor while on duty at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
“This is the most despicable act against humanity and also it is painful to see that medical service providers are often subjected to harassment of different kinds and are also prone to violence. The NHWU conveys its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and it stands in solidarity with the family in their fight for justice. The NHWU also joins with the medical fraternity across the nation and expresses support to the protests seeking justice for the victim,” it said.
The NHWU also urged upon the law enforcement agency to expedite the investigation and bring the perpetrator to justice.
“It is also important for the government of Meghalaya and private hospitals in Meghalaya to ensure the safety and security of every medical service provider as they are working 24/7 without any hesitation even in the middle of the night,” the NHWU added.
