Kolkata: Doctors protest against hospital violence

KOLKATA: Braving the Friday evening Nor’wester doctors came out on street in a silent march protesting against repeated assault on doctors and hospital violence. And walking along with them were their family members having candles in their hands. They walked from Calcutta Medical College to Lalbazar police head quarters.

“This kind of violence on doctors affects the whole family. I am pained by the doctors have been assaulted so frequently that is how I decided to take part in the march,” said Sreyashi Holme Choudhury a class X student whose parents are doctors in a private hospital.

Septuagenarian Anasua Dasgupta despite her age braved the thundershower to show her solidarity.

“My son and daughter-in-law work in corporate hospitals. I cannot sit in peace till they come back home from the hospital. This violence has to stop,” said the senior citizen.

“The atmosphere in hospitals has become very vicious. I keep fearing if my husband could be the next target,” said Momita Karim whose husband works in a government hospital.

There has been numerous attacks on doctors in the recent past, latest being the assault of a doctor in Nursing home in Uttarpara. Friday’s rally had a mix of doctors from government as well as private hospitals owing allegiance to organizations including Association of Health Service Doctors, West Bengal Doctors’ Forum, Doctors for Patients.

“We want a congenial work environment. The number of doctor assault and hospital vandalism is rising by the day. We want the administration to take necessary steps that will ensure us security,” said Dr Manas Gumta secretary Association of Health Service Doctors.

The doctors were also upset that CM Mamata Banerjee did not mention anything on these attacks when she spoke during the West Bengal Health University Sciences on Thursday.