Kolkatta rape and murder: AIFGDA to wear black badges, hold nationwide protest on Aug 16

Hyderabad: All India Federation of Government Doctors Associations (AIFGDA) has called for a nationwide protest against the rape and murder of a medic in Kolkata on August 16.

The decision was made during a meeting held on August 13, 2024, which brought together state associations of government allopathic doctors from across the country under the AIFGDA banner.

In a show of solidarity with the victim's family, government doctors throughout India will wear black badges on August 16, 2024.

This symbolic act aims to highlight the medical community's outrage and demand for justice in the wake of the heinous crime.

AIFGDA's Demands

During the meeting, AIFGDA members expressed deep resentment over the incident and agreed on a set of actions to address the issue.

"We will represent the union health and home ministers, urging a swift probe into this matter and demanding that all those guilty receive the highest punishment," said Dr. Madhav Hasani, Secretary General of AIFGDA.

The association also plans to submit a representation to the central government, advocating for a more stringent law to prevent violence against doctors and hospital staff.

Dr. Rajesh Gaikwad, National President of AIFGDA, emphasized the need for better protection. "Adequate security and a safe working environment must be provided to doctors at the workplace to avoid such incidents," he said

AIFGDA has indicated that the protest on August 16 is only the beginning of their response.

“Further line of action will be communicated after August 16," Dr. Hasani said, underscoring the association's commitment to ensuring that the incident does not fade from public attention without substantial reforms being enacted.

The association has urged all state and union territory presidents and secretaries of government allopathic doctors to ensure that the planned activities are carried out and to send reports on their execution.

With the participation of government doctors across India, the protest is expected to draw significant attention to the issues of safety and security for medical professionals.

“The AIFGDA’s actions aim not only to honor the memory of the deceased doctor but also to push for long-overdue changes in policies governing the protection of healthcare workers,” said Dr. Hasani.