Nationwide doctors’ strike:

In response to the horrifying rape and murder of a trainee female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a nationwide suspension of non-emergency medical services for 24 hours starting from 6 a.m. on Saturday, August 17.

On the eve of the strike, the IMA outlined five demands aimed at improving the conditions for resident doctors and implementing a central law to protect healthcare professionals from workplace violence.

The IMA assured that all critical services would remain operational, and emergency cases would be attended to.

Key points from ima’s strike over the kolkata rape-murder case

IMA’s five demands:

1. improvement of resident doctors’ conditions: The IMA called for an urgent review of the working and living conditions of resident doctors, highlighting issues such as extended 36-hour shifts and the lack of safe resting spaces, which were factors in the tragedy at RG Kar Medical College.
2. strengthening legal protections: The association urged the government to incorporate the 2023 amendments to the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 into the proposed Hospital Protection Bill of 2019. This move is aimed at bolstering existing laws in 25 states. The IMA also suggested introducing an ordinance similar to those enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. demand for swift justice: The IMA insisted on a thorough and timely investigation of the crime, ensuring justice is served. They also demanded the identification and punishment of those involved in the vandalism at the RG Kar hospital on August 14.
4. enhanced hospital security: The association recommended that hospitals be declared secure zones, with mandatory security measures on par with those at airports. This would include the installation of CCTV cameras, deployment of security personnel, and the enforcement of strict security protocols.
5. compensation for the victim’s family: The IMA demanded appropriate and respectful compensation for the victim’s family, reflecting the severity of the crime.

Updates on the kolkata doctor’s rape-murder case

• 24-hour service withdrawal: The IMA has announced a 24-hour withdrawal of services by all modern medicine doctors across India, regardless of their sector or place of work. Emergency services will continue, but outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries will be suspended.
• nationwide protests: Thousands of doctors took to the streets in various cities on Friday, including New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, demanding justice and better security in medical institutions.
• junior doctors speak out: Junior doctors from RG Kar Medical College, including Rumalika Kumar and Riya Bera, expressed their dissatisfaction with the ongoing investigation, calling for the immediate arrest of all involved parties and transparent communication from the authorities.
• kolkata police actions: The Kolkata Police reported the arrest of 25 individuals in connection with the vandalism at RG Kar Hospital on August 14, which resulted in significant damage to the premises and vehicles.
• political reactions: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Left of collaborating with the BJP to destabilize the state. Meanwhile, the BJP Mahila Morcha, led by national president Vanathi Srinivasan, held a silent candlelight march outside the medical college, demanding justice.