Essential healthcare services continue to be badly disrupted in New Delhi, where the resident doctors' protest—which was sparked by the tragedy in Kolkata—has persisted for the tenth day in a row, creating great suffering for numerous patients. The Resident Doctors' Association has been asked to return to work by the Director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), who has assured them that the hospital's top objectives are their safety and security.

Dr Rima Dada, AIIMS spokesperson, stated, "Our Director has requested the AIIMS Resident Doctors' Association to resume work, as many patients come from faraway places and are facing significant challenges. He has reassured them that their safety and security are our top priorities."

To address the doctors' concerns and find a long-term solution, Dr. Dada stated "We at AIIMS, Delhi, have formed two committees: one to address their immediate concerns, which will be headed by the Dean of Academics, the Dean of Research, the Medical Superintendent, and the Chief Security Officer."

"In addition, a collaborative internal security audit will be conducted under the chairmanship of Dr. Puneet Kaur, with one representative from each union. They are overseeing security arrangements, such as proper locking mechanisms, and have identified poorly lit areas that require attention," she added.

About the hospital's current security procedures, Dr. Dada said, "At present, there are 2,900 security guards at AIIMS and 2,815 CCTV cameras. Additionally, AI-enabled CCTV cameras will be installed at every entry point to identify ‘suspicious individuals.’ "

Prior to this, the Supreme Court issued an order for doctors to return to their jobs and established the National Task Force (NTF) to develop guidelines for ensuring the security and safety of healthcare workers in the workplace.

Doctors and other medical workers around the country have been protesting for central legislation to safeguard their safety at work since a 31-year-old junior female doctor was raped and killed at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital earlier this month.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Priyanka Pandey/MSM)