The recent assault on a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals in India. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar condemned the violence as “barbarity expressed in extremity” and called for accountability from all stakeholders.

A Call for Unity and Accountability

Vice President Dhankhar expressed his deep concern over the incident, highlighting that it not only shames humanity but also undermines the values of India. He criticized the “symptomatic malaise” attitude expressed by some individuals, arguing that such statements only add to the pain and ignore the severity of the situation.

Criticizing the Silence and Political Exploitation

Dhankhar specifically pointed out the “selective silence” of NGOs and certain politicians who seek to exploit the situation for political gain. He stated that their silence is as condemnable as the perpetrators of the heinous crime. He emphasized that this is not a political issue but a matter of societal concern and that everyone must share the responsibility of preventing such incidents from occurring in the future.

Recognizing the Importance of Medical Professionals

The vice president acknowledged the selfless service of medical professionals, comparing their work to “Nishkam Seva” – selfless service as preached by Lord Krishna. He stressed the importance of protecting healthcare workers, emphasizing that they cannot be expected to be gods, and violence against them should not be tolerated.

The Need for Safeguarding Health Warriors

Dhankhar highlighted the need for a robust mechanism to protect “health warriors”, emphasizing the responsibility of both the government and society. He urged for a system that ensures the security of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff, particularly women, at their workplaces.

Shaken Foundation of Society

The Vice President expressed his belief that the attack has shaken the very foundation of Indian society and questioned the values the nation holds dear. He called for a united effort to ensure the safety of women and healthcare professionals.

A Call for Introspection and Action

Dhankhar’s strong condemnation of the incident and his call for introspection and action resonate with the sentiment of many Indians. The attack on the doctor is not an isolated incident but reflects a broader societal concern regarding the safety of women and healthcare professionals. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach involving government, civil society, and individuals to ensure that healthcare workers are safe and respected.

Takeaways

• The attack on a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital highlights a growing concern regarding the safety of healthcare professionals in India.
• Violence against doctors is not acceptable and should be condemned by all sections of society.
• There is a need for strong mechanisms to protect healthcare workers, especially women, at their workplaces.
• The incident exposes the limitations of relying on selective political rhetoric and emphasizes the need for united action to address societal issues.
• Individuals, NGOs, and political entities have a responsibility to ensure the safety of women and healthcare professionals and to create a society that values and protects them.