Kolkata: Kolkata is witnessing widespread protests as the political climate in West Bengal heats up following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The horrific incident has not only ignited outrage in Kolkata but has also sparked national concern, particularly among medical professionals who are increasingly worried about their safety and security.
In response to the incident, Fortis Hospital in Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, has initiated a week-long self-defense training programme for its female medical staff, in collaboration with the Parivartan Cell of the Delhi Police. This programme represents a pioneering effort to provide female medical staff with self-defenses skills for the first time in the country. The training aims to empower participants with the necessary techniques to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations.
The training programme is designed to cover a range of self-defence techniques, including punches, elbow strikes, blocks, eye attacks, and methods to escape from hair and hand grips. Additionally, participants are being taught to use everyday items as improvised weapons, enhancing their ability to handle potential threats effectively. The programme aims to train over 600 female staff members, including both medical and non-medical personnel.
Pooja, an administrative staff member at Fortis, noted that although she feels secure at work due to the hospital’s measures, she believes women’s safety remains a broader societal issue. Nursing staff member Mamta Bhatia shared that the training has significantly boosted her confidence and she plans to pass these self-defence skills on to her daughters.
Dr Barkha Yadav of Fortis Hospital expressed that while she feels safe within the hospital premises and during her commute, the recent incident has heightened vigilance. Her family now insists on receiving live location updates for added safety.
Constable Poonam of the Delhi Police, who is leading the training sessions, stressed the importance of learning basic tactics and punches to counter threats. She emphasised that in today’s world, it is vital for every woman to have self-defence skills.
In response to the tragic incident, a National Task Force has been established following a Supreme Court order. The task force convened for its inaugural meeting on Wednesday in Delhi, focusing on recommendations to enhance the safety, security, and working conditions of medical professionals. The meeting, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, included prominent figures such as the Home Secretary, the Chairperson of the National Medical Commission, Surgeon Vice Admiral R Sarin, AIIMS Director Dr M Shreenivas, and Dr Padma Srivastava, a former professor at AIIMS.
The creation of this task force underscores the urgent need for improved security measures in healthcare settings and highlights the vulnerabilities faced by medical professionals. The incident at RG Kar Medical College has catalysed a nationwide conversation about ensuring the safety of those who work in healthcare environments.
The self-defence training initiative at Fortis Hospital has been met with enthusiasm from the staff, who are eager to learn how to protect themselves. Administrative staff member Subhadra remarked that while the hospital has implemented measures to ensure the safety of its female staff, equipping them with self-defence skills is a crucial step towards self-empowerment. She praised the proactive nature of the training programme and the staff’s eagerness to participate.
The tragic events in Kolkata have not only highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security measures but also stimulated significant institutional and community responses aimed at safeguarding medical professionals and addressing broader issues of safety and security.