NEW DELHI: Resident doctors of AIIMS, Safdarjung and other government-run hospitals, who participated in the recent nationwide strike of medicos over the ghastly rape and murder of their female counterpart in Kolkata, are worried about the punitive action for skipping the duties as the authorities are yet to clear their stand.
During the protest in the national capital, the court urged the medicos to resume their work and asked the authorities not to take any action.
The medicos are worried as their respective medical colleges are yet to clarify whether they will deduct wages or adjust leave balances for the days these doctors abstained from work during the agitation.
Dr Indra Shekhar, President, AIIMS Resident Doctors Association (RDA), said a letter was sent to the institute’s director but no written assurance has been received so far.
“We respectfully urge you to adopt a non-coercive approach towards those doctors who participated in the protest. This is in accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s order dated August 22, 2024, in the Suo Moto Writ (Crl) No. 2/2024 regarding the RG Kar case,” the letter read.
“Many of our resident doctors are distressed by the lack of clarity regarding attendance for the period of the strike and the potential repercussions, such as extensions and denial of no-dues or experience certificates. Such repercussions could adversely impact those affected, including hindering their ability to participate in upcoming examinations,” Shekhar added.
Sources said the institute had set up a committee to decide the course of action.
Echoing similar concerns, Safdarjung RDA’s General Secretary, Dr Ayush Raj, also said the hospital is not clarifying whether any disciplinary action will be taken.
“But I want to clarify that we will not accept any action. It’s against the spirit of justice and also a contempt of the court,” he added. When approached for comment, the hospitals did not provide clarity. An AIIMS spokesperson said no information was available in this regard.
Following the Kolkata incident, the doctors have been demanding immediate implementation of the Central Protection Act to safeguard medical practitioners, besides seeking swift punishment for the accused.
