The day after the Association of Resident Doctors (RDA) AIIMS sent a letter to President Droupadi Murmu regarding the events at Jantkar Mantar and the ongoing hospitalization of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, the RDA of VMMC and Safdarjung also appealed to the President on Tuesday. These appeals stem from concerns about patient autonomy, medical ethics, the independence of public medical institutions, and incidents that occurred at Jantkar Mantar.
Position of RDA Safdarjung
In a four-page document, the RDA Safdarjung stated that Wangchuk's health condition and the necessity of his continued hospitalization must remain subject to independent clinical judgment. It was emphasized that every competent patient has the right to dignity, informed consent, and treatment in accordance with established medical ethics and the Constitution.
The association expressed serious concern if reports that Wangchuk, as a competent patient, was allegedly denied the right to leave against medical advice (LAMA) prove true. The hospitals, according to the RDA, are institutions of healing and should not be treated as places of confinement, except when restrictions are sanctioned by law and follow due procedure.
Issues of Safety and Investigations
The RDA also questioned the safety measures at Safdarjung Hospital during Wangchuk's hospitalization. Referring to publicly available video materials and reports, it was noted that restricted access to hospital areas, the wide presence of security personnel, and disruption of normal hospital functioning, if confirmed, require an independent investigation.
Furthermore, the association demanded an independent, impartial, and time-bound investigation into the incidents at Jantkar Mantar. Reports and videos were cited showing the use of force, including lathi charges and tear gas, against peaceful protesters. Allegations of intimidation and physical misconduct by faculty and students of Lady Hardinge Medical College were also mentioned, which also require objective investigation.
Appeal to the President
The RDA warned that such occurrences could undermine public trust in democratic and medical institutions, and expose medical professionals to greater risk of hostility, despite their lack of involvement in administrative or political decisions. The association added that hospital administrations must maintain independence as custodians of medical ethics and patient well-being, and must never be associated with non-medical or political interests.
Characterizing its appeal as 'non-political,' the association strongly urged the President to order an independent investigation into the recent events. It also requested ensuring the right of competent patients to receive permission to leave against medical advice where legally permissible, reviewing the impact of security measures at Safdarjung Hospital on patient care and hospital operations, ensuring accountability in cases of violation of constitutional rights or medical ethics, investigating allegations of excessive force against peaceful protesters, and protecting medical professionals from intimidation and violence.
The RDA Safdarjung appeal followed one day after the RDA AIIMS letter, which also addressed the Jantkar Mantar incident and Wangchuk's hospitalization, raising questions about patient rights, constitutional rights, and medical ethics. Thus, doctors from two leading public hospitals in the country publicly raised this issue.
Signing of the Document
The document was signed by RDA President Dr. Devanshi Kaul, Vice President Dr. Rahul, General Secretary Dr. Ayush Raj, Deputy Secretary Dr. Amit Yadav, and Treasurer Dr. Rohit Rati.
