Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Aug 17: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Mangaluru Chapter, in collaboration with various voluntary organizations, organized a 'Silent March' on Saturday, August 17, to demand justice and protest against the recent murder of a doctor on duty in Kolkata. The march commenced from IMA Hall on Railway Station Road, Mangaluru, and proceeded to the DC office.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bharath Shetty, MLA of Mangaluru North, stated, "The incident in West Bengal was horrifying, and the evidence was tampered with. Even the police treat criminals with respect, but they do not show the same care for doctors. Today, we have gathered here to submit a petition to the deputy commissioner, sharing our pain and demanding protection for all doctors, regardless of gender. It is unfortunate that such laws are not being followed."

Vedavyas Kamath, MLA of Mangaluru South, also addressed the gathering, saying, "The IMA and various organizations have come together today to express their outrage over the incident in West Bengal, where a young postgraduate resident doctor at R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata, was raped. Doctors should be protected, and those who commit such heinous crimes should be hanged. During the Covid-19 lockdown, similar violent incidents occurred, and if doctors had decided to close their OPDs, it would have been disastrous for us. The central government and the West Bengal government must implement strict measures to prevent such incidents in the future."

Dr Ranjan R K, president of IMA Mangaluru chapter, condemned the incident, stating, "This incident is very unfortunate, and we have gathered here to express our support for the victim. We strongly condemn such actions against medical professionals, and the government must ensure the safety of all students by urgently implementing the Central act against violence."

Jessy Maria D'Souza, president-elect of IMA Mangaluru chapter, added, "Today, we are joined by doctors, interns, and medical and non-medical students from various organizations to emphasize the importance of women's safety. Justice delayed is justice denied, and we will continue to protest until the accused are punished according to the law."

The doctors demanded increased protection for medical staff, including enhanced police security. They called for the implementation of panic buttons in all hospitals, counselling and support for staff, immediate compensation for victims, and the implementation of the National Action Plan.

Capt Brijesh Chowta, MP of Dakshina Kannada, along with students from various medical and non-medical institutions, also participated in the march.