The brutal rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata have sparked nationwide outrage, leading to a significant protest by the medical community. Doctors across the country have called for a major hospital shutdown in response to the incident.
Nationwide Strike Announced by Indian Medical Association (IMA)- Kolkata
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), representing the largest body of medical professionals in India, has declared a nationwide strike starting at 6 AM on Saturday, August 17, and ending at 6 AM on Sunday, August 18. This strike is expected to be the largest in over a decade, with most hospital departments, including outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries, shutting down. However, essential services like emergency care will remain operational.
Background of the Incident
The protests follow the tragic event on August 9, when a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The horrific crime has led to widespread demonstrations by the medical fraternity, with doctors demanding justice and better safety measures within hospital premises.
Impact of the Strike
- Closed Services: OPDs, elective surgeries, and non-essential services will be closed nationwide.
- Operational Services: Emergency care and critical treatments will continue to be available.
- Affected Areas: The strike will impact both public and private hospitals where modern medicine doctors are employed.
Protests and Support Rallies
- Amritsar: The Resident Doctors Association at Government Medical College has suspended all non-essential services starting August 16.
- Delhi: Resident Doctors’ Associations will hold a joint protest march on August 16, starting at 2 PM from Nirman Bhavan. The Delhi Medical Association (DMA) will also organize a candle march at India Gate at 5 PM on the same day.
- Mumbai: The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) will stage a protest at Azad Maidan.
- Siliguri: The Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) has called a 12-hour general strike on August 16, leading to significant disruptions in the city.
Vandalism at RG Kar Medical College
The situation further escalated when protestors, allegedly masquerading as demonstrators, vandalized the Emergency Ward, nursing station, and medicine store at RG Kar Medical College. The Kolkata Police reported that nearly 40 people, armed with sticks and bricks, caused extensive damage, including overturning a police vehicle and destroying CCTV cameras. The investigation into the doctor’s death has been transferred to the CBI by orders of the Calcutta High Court.
IMA’s Condemnation and Call for Justice
The IMA has strongly condemned the violence and the failure of authorities to maintain law and order. They emphasized the vulnerability of doctors, especially women, to violence, and demanded that the authorities take immediate action to ensure the safety of healthcare workers.
As the nation braces for this unprecedented strike, the medical community stands united in their demand for justice and better protection for doctors and healthcare staff.
