Kalyan assault case: GMCH Nagpur doctors to join statewide black ribbon protest today

Nagpur: Resident doctors of Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur, along with several healthcare organisations, will participate in the statewide black ribbon protest on Thursday over the alleged assault on healthcare workers at Shastrinagar Hospital in Kalyan-Dombivli, even as police have arrested the main accused.Besides the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), the protest in Nagpur will see participation from SCMC, ASMI, MSMTA, the Nursing Association and the Maharashtra State Resident Doctors Association (MSRDA).Earlier, Central MARD had announced the statewide black ribbon protest across all govt medical colleges and hospitals in Maharashtra, condemning the alleged assault at KDMC-run Shastrinagar Hospital by supporters of Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre. Central MARD had warned that if the accused were not arrested within 72 hours, it would launch an indefinite statewide agitation in coordination with doctors’ associations and healthcare organisations.MARD GMCH Nagpur called the Vishnu Nagar Police action of arresting the main accused a positive step. “But incidents of violence against doctors continue to occur with alarming frequency, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in healthcare institutions,” the association said.MARD GMCH Nagpur reaffirmed that the protest would continue as scheduled, stating that preventive measures, strict implementation of existing laws and sustained institutional support were equally important to ensure the safety and dignity of healthcare workers.

Wearing black ribbons would be a peaceful expression of solidarity and a reminder that the safety of healthcare professionals cannot depend solely on action taken after an assault, said the association.Criticising the prevailing situation, the association said, “They have made a mockery of the medical profession. Instead of ensuring the safety of doctors and strengthening healthcare, politics has taken precedence over patient care.”MARD GMCH Nagpur said it remained united with resident doctors across Maharashtra in seeking a workplace where healthcare professionals could treat patients without fear of violence or intimidation. It hoped the case would lead to “meaningful reforms” to strengthen protection for all healthcare workers.