MADURAI: Condemning the brutal assault on a medical oncologist at the Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital (KCSSH) in Chennai, hundreds of doctors boycotted out-patient treatment at Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai on Thursday, and staged a protest in front of Madurai Medical College premises seeking safer work environments.
While only 78% of the total number of doctors registered their attendance at GRH for the day, numerous others staged similar protests in Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar and Tirunelveli districts as well.
Speaking to media persons, Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association district secretary Dr Ilaamaran said that the safety of doctors in the workplace has been completely compromised after the incident in Chennai. "We seek action against the culprit in the case, and more police protection in hospital facilities, including the establishment of outposts in each government hospital. Apart from emergency and elective surgeries, all cases related to the outpatient department were boycotted up to 6 pm on Thursday. The next plan of action will be decided after the state executive committee meeting in Chennai," he said.
While a top official from Dindigul Medical College Hospital claimed that no health services were affected by the boycott of doctors, a group of doctors were seen holding flex banners in front Dindigul Medical College Hospital and raised slogans against the attack on the oncologist. Besides, a large number of doctors assembled in front of Palani Government Hospital and raised slogans seeking action against the culprit, sources said.
Further, over 100 doctors staged a protest in front of the Government Medical College Hospital in Theni, flagging the lack of safety for doctors in service. Also, 50 government doctors staged a protest in front of Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital in Virudhunagar, and similar protests were held in Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram.