Bengaluru: Doctors across several government teaching hospitals gathered at Freedom Park on Friday to protest unsafe working conditions and demand better facilities. The protest, led by resident doctors, also highlighted the lack of support from college authorities when reporting harassment.
Key Issues Raised:
- Harassment and Threats: Doctors reported that when they seek help for harassment, college authorities often dismiss their concerns or threaten them with failing grades.
- Safety Concerns: The protestors cited inadequate lighting, security, and surveillance on campus. They also noted that security guards are often unhelpful and sometimes inebriated.
- Facilities: Issues such as poor accommodation, lack of mobile network coverage, and unmonitored campus access were highlighted.
- Patient Harassment: Female doctors shared experiences of inappropriate behavior from male patients, including instances where patients intentionally request physical exams inappropriately.
Calls for Action:
- Security Improvements: Doctors are demanding better security measures and improved conditions in hospital hostels and campuses.
- Legal Protections: Noted cardiologist and Bangalore Rural MP Dr. C. N. Manjunath emphasized the need for proper security and immediate action in cases of assault, referencing existing laws that classify violence against healthcare professionals as cognizable and non-bailable offenses.
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