Aam Aadmi Party backs doctors' protest

Chandigarh, August 18, 2024: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) extended its support to the doctors' nationwide protest against the rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata. On Sunday, AAP leaders, MLAs, and ministers visited hospitals across several districts to show solidarity with the doctors and held meetings with them.

Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh visited Rajendra Hospital in Patiala. Former minister and MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar went to Amritsar Medical College. AAP MP Rajkumar Chabbewal visited Government Hospital in Hoshiarpur, while Minister Baljit Kaur went to GGS Hospital in Faridkot.

Addressing the media outside Rajendra Hospital in Patiala, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh expressed his support for the protesting doctors and medical students, stating, "As a doctor myself, I understand the pain caused by this incident and can empathize with the victims' families. I extend my heartfelt condolences to them."

Dr. Balbir Singh said, "I will not be able to rest until the perpetrator of the rape and murder of the female doctor in Kolkata is executed. The Punjab government stands firmly with the doctors and medical students, and we demand that the culprit be brought to justice."

Dr. Balbir Singh called on the central government to enact and implement a non-bailable law, as proposed by the Indian Medical Association in 2019, which mandates a minimum sentence of six years for sexual violence against female doctors and healthcare workers. He criticized the central government for the delay in passing this law, questioning their intentions. The Health Minister stressed that doctors cannot perform effectively in an atmosphere of fear and urged the central government to address the issue urgently by enacting stringent laws.

Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, while speaking with doctors and security personnel at GGS Medical Hospital in Faridkot, emphasized that ensuring the safety of female doctors is a key responsibility of the Punjab government. She assured that necessary security measures would be implemented in hospitals as required. The Punjab government remains firmly committed to supporting doctors and medical students.

MP Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal, during his visit to hospitals in Hoshiarpur, stated that discussions have been held on all areas within colleges and hospitals where security is crucial. He assured that action will be taken soon to address all related concerns.

Former minister and MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar met with doctors and security personnel at Amritsar Medical College. He expressed his support for the doctors' protest and emphasized that ensuring the security of female doctors is a key responsibility. He added that the Punjab government is actively taking concrete steps to address this issue.