The Junior Doctors' Association (JUDA) at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad staged a 'black badge protest' on Tuesday, condemning the recent assault and alleged defamation of a postgraduate doctor on duty. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when a patient's attendant allegedly attacked a doctor from the general medicine department following an argument over monitoring a patient's blood sugar levels before meals.
JUDA Demands Immediate Action
JUDA demanded a public apology from those responsible and the deletion of defamatory social media posts related to the incident. The association described the assault as unacceptable and a severe blow to the morale and dignity of healthcare workers. A JUDA member stated, 'Physical assault, verbal abuse, intimidation, and online defamation severely affect the morale, dignity, and safety of healthcare workers.'
Call for Stronger Security and Zero Tolerance
The association urged higher authorities to take strict and immediate action against the perpetrators. They appealed for enhanced security arrangements and a zero-tolerance policy towards violence against doctors and hospital staff. JUDA also called on the public to support healthcare professionals and help maintain a safe working environment in hospitals.
The protest underscores the growing concerns over the safety of medical professionals in India, with repeated instances of violence against doctors prompting demands for stricter laws and better protection.
