On Friday, resident doctors in New Delhi staged a significant protest demanding the immediate enactment of the Central Protection Act (Healthcare Services Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2019). The protest, which saw widespread disruptions across the city’s hospitals, reflected the medical community’s frustration over the delay in the legislation intended to safeguard healthcare professionals from violence and property damage. The demonstration involved a large number of doctors and culminated in a direct confrontation with the Union Health Minister’s office, with threats to escalate their actions if their demands were not addressed.
BulletsIn
- Resident doctors in New Delhi led a major protest on Friday, advocating for the Central Protection Act.
- The Healthcare Services Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2019, aims to protect healthcare workers and facilities.
- Demonstrations took place at various locations, culminating in a large protest at Nirman Bhawan, the office of the Union Health Minister.
- Out-patient services were disrupted across most hospitals in Delhi as a result of the protest.
- Doctors threatened to shut down emergency services if their demands were not met.
- The Delhi Police barricaded the Safdarjung flyover to prevent protesters from reaching Nirman Bhawan.
- Dr. Suvrankar Datta of AIIMS criticized the restrictions placed on their peaceful protest.
- The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) organized a separate candle march, which was halted by police.
- Protesters expressed solidarity with slogans demanding justice and fair treatment for medical professionals.
- The proposed Central Protection Act has been stalled despite being drafted and circulated for feedback five years ago.
