Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha released a book titled “Destinations and Memories” written by young author Master Aayan Sourabh Sethi.
The Lt Governor congratulated the 7-year-old Aayan Sourabh Sethi and extended best wishes for his future endeavours.
Subsequently, Lieutenant Governor released a book titled “A World of Rights: Navigating the Global Landscape of Human Rights”, edited by Neeraj Singh Manhas, Dr. Nitan Sharma and Dr. Abhinav Tomer.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the Doctors’ Association Jammu (DAJ) met with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha today to submit a memorandum highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure the safety and welfare of healthcare workers across Jammu and Kashmir.
The delegation’s primary demand was the implementation of a strict law against violence targeting healthcare workers, following the heinous incident at RJ Kar Medical College, Kolkata, where a female doctor was brutally raped and murdered within the hospital premises. This tragic event has sent shockwaves across the country, leaving healthcare professionals, especially female doctors, fearful for their safety while on duty.
DAJ expressed serious concerns about the security of healthcare workers in peripheral hospitals of J&K, particularly for female doctors who often work night shifts alone. While security measures have been improved in medical colleges, the delegation pointed out a glaring lack of security in peripheral hospitals, making healthcare workers vulnerable. The delegation urged the LG to ensure proper hospital security not only in government medical colleges but also in peripheral hospitals throughout the UT.
Another pressing issue raised was the lack of time-bound promotions for medical professionals in the State. Many medical officers and consultants retire without receiving promotions, a situation the DAJ deems unfair and demoralizing. The Association emphasized the need to create more positions for consultants and senior consultants to address this imbalance and to offer growth opportunities for deserving healthcare workers.
Additionally, the DAJ highlighted the difficult working conditions of resident doctors, who are often required to work for over 36 hours straight, with little to no rest. They called for the regulation of working hours, introduction of weekly off days, and improvements in duty room facilities in all government hospitals.
The delegation was led by Dr Balvinder (president of DAJ), and included Dr Ankita Khajuria (Resident, Orthopaedics), Dr Varsha Choudhary (Senior Resident, Surgery), Dr Amit Dewan, Dr Muktiyar, Dr Yusuf Tak, and Dr Shubam (RDA president, GMC Jammu).