Delhi: GTB doctors strike call off strike after assurances

Hours after a 32-year-old man was shot dead on July 14 by an unidentified assailant inside a ward of the Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital in front of doctors and his relatives, the Residents’ Doctors Association (RDA) of the hospital announced an indefinite strike citing safety concerns. 

The strike was, however, called off on Tuesday after the RDA, GTB got an assurance of appropriate action from the special secretary, Health Department, Delhi Government. 

According to the statement released by RDA, GTB on Sunday, “In response to a recent tragic incident within our hospital premises, where a patient was fatally shot, the Residents’ Doctors Association (RDA) has made the decision to commence an indefinite strike, effective from tomorrow, 15 July 2024.

“This decision comes after repeated concerns regarding the safety and security of our workplace, which have not been adequately addressed by the Delhi Government. Despite previous appeals for enhanced security measures, the unfortunate event underscores a critical failure in ensuring a secure environment for both patients and healthcare providers,” it said.

“The RDA prioritises the safety and well-being of all hospital staff, patients, and visitors. The recent incident has deeply shaken our community and raised significant apprehensions among residents regarding their safety while fulfilling their professional duties,” it stated. 

“Until these fundamental security improvements are effectively implemented and communicated, the residents will be on strike. We emphasise our commitment to providing uninterrupted patient care and hope for swift action from the hospital administration to address these pressing concerns. Emergency services will remain functional during the agitation,” the statement further added.

Also Read: Delhi: Resident doctors at GTB Hospital on indefinite strike after patient killed inside ward

However, in response to recent incidents of violence at health facilities, the Delhi government has decided to deploy two armed guards and install metal detectors at the emergency entrances of hospitals. 

Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj announced these measures on Monday following a meeting with members of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA).

“Met Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) delegation led by the National Chairman, accompanied by National General Secretary, Chief Advisor to discuss the recent incidents of violence in Government Hospitals. The following decisions have been taken: 1) Installation of metal detectors at the emergency entries of hospitals. 2) Deployment of two armed guards at the emergency entries of major hospitals,” Bharadwaj said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, GTB Hospital has come under scrutiny for multiple security lapses within its premises twice in the past month. Incidents, including the shooting of a patient and the brutal assault of a doctor, have led medical personnel, including nurses, to protest against the lack of security measures.

The recent incident

On July 14, a patient in ward number 24 was shot to death after an assailant, identified as Faiz, opened fire inside the ward, killing Riyazuddin. 

Also Read: Delhi: 32-year-old patient shot dead inside GTB Hospital

According to police, the intended target was another person in a different ward, and Riyazuddin’s death was collateral damage. The shootout began while Riyazuddin’s sister, Tarranum, was attending to him under the supervision of doctors.

The police have apprehended Faiz and his accomplice, Farhan, but the alleged mastermind, Faheem, a resident of Loni, remains at large. Investigations are ongoing.

On July 9, another alarming incident occurred when an entire family began assaulting doctors and other staff members at GTB Hospital. Police officials reported that around 70 armed individuals forcefully entered the campus, attacking medical personnel and vandalising essential property. This chaos erupted after a woman succumbed to complications following childbirth surgery. In response, the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) filed an FIR with the GTB Enclave Police Station.