New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour strike across the country, during which all modern medicine doctors, regardless of sector or location, will withdraw their services. This action is in response to the nationwide outrage sparked by the rape and murder of a second-year trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
The strike, which began at 6 am on Saturday, August 17, will continue until 6 am on Sunday, August 18, 2024. While emergency and casualty services will remain operational, outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries have been suspended.
IMA General Secretary Anil Kumar J Nayak reiterated that all IMA members are participating in the strike, with only emergency and casualty services available. He mentioned a recent discussion with Health Minister of India JP Nadda, who responded positively to their concerns about attacks on doctors. The IMA has also urged the National Commission for Women to visit Kolkata and called for improved safety and security for women doctors.
The strike follows the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College on August 9, which has led to widespread protests across the medical community. The situation escalated on Wednesday when a mob vandalised the protest site and hospital campus at RG Kar, prompting security forces to intervene.
The tragic death of the young doctor has shaken the medical fraternity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, with demands of justice and security to health professionals.
