Protest against doctor’s rape-murder to affect OPD services in city today

SHILLONG, Aug 16: Majority of the private hospitals in the city have decided to suspend their OPD services on Saturday as part of the 24-hour nationwide protest called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in protest against the brutal rape-murder of trainee doctor Moumita Debnath at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
Woodland Hospital, Bethany Hospital, Nazareth Hospital, Dr H Gordon Robert Hospital and Super Care Hospital will be suspending their OPD services. NEIGRIHMS has also decided to suspend its OPD services.
Meghalaya Medical Services Association (MMSA) general secretary, Dr. R Pohshem said they will continue to provide emergency medical services on Saturday.
Bethany Hospitals will close its OPD services across its locations in Shillong, Nongpoh, Umsning, and Byrnihat in a show of solidarity with the medical fraternity following the incident in Kolkata.
Bethany Hospitals emphasised that all emergency services will remain fully operational for emergency and inpatient services.
Woodland Hospital medical specialist, Dr R Barman said they have taken this decision to express solidarity with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the medical fraternity.
He said emergency services, emergency laboratory services and indoor clinics will perform uninterrupted.
Nazareth Hospital and Dr H Gordon Robert Hospital will also suspend their OPD services on Saturday. The emergency services in the two hospitals will continue interrupted.
Meanwhile, the MMSA expressed solidarity with the All India Federation of Government Doctors Association (AIFGDA) in the protest against the recent heinous crime committed against a lady doctor in Kolkata.
The members of MMSA on Friday wore black badges to condemn the crime and called for immediate justice.
A candlelight vigil was held at Bethany Hospital on Friday in memory of Moumita Debnath.
Medical Superintendent Dr Rebekah LI Kharsaithiang delivered a poignant address, expressing the collective grief and anger of the medical community.
“Dr. Moumita Debnath was on the path to becoming a specialist, dedicating her life to saving others,” Dr. Kharsaithiang said. “The lives she could have saved and the countless futures she could have touched are now only a painful reminder of what was stolen from her. This candlelight vigil signifies our unity and determination to ensure that no other doctor or woman in this country has to live in fear.”
“We stand in solidarity with our fellow doctors in Kolkata and across the country,” said Dr. Kyntiewlang Sanmiet, Spokesperson at Bethany Hospitals.
“Our participation in this nationwide movement and the candlelight vigil reflects our collective concern for the safety and well-being of all healthcare professionals. We urge the community to understand the importance of this cause and to support us as we advocate for better protection and respect for those who dedicate their lives to saving others.”