The shocking vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where a trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered last week, has led to the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) to resume its strike with “renewed resolve” just two days after initially calling it off.
The FORDA had ended its strike on Tuesday following a meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda. The strike, which began on Monday, was in response to the horrific rape and murder of the 31-year-old trainee doctor. FORDA had announced that its demands were met, including assurances regarding the Central Healthcare Protection Act to safeguard medical personnel from violence.
I want to bring to the immediate and urgent notice of @AmitShah that we have just received shocking visuals from RG Kar Medical College where goons have attacked the college! Police is nowhere to be seen! There is absolute mayhem in West Bengal! Where is police? @MamataOfficial pic.twitter.com/VZOnBZeBHv
— Dr. Datta (AIIMS Delhi) (@DrDatta_AIIMS) August 14, 2024
However, this decision stirred discontent among resident doctors’ associations (RDAs) across various hospitals. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi continued its strike, while the resident doctors’ association of Safdarjung Hospital declared it was no longer affiliated with FORDA.
The reversal
In a dramatic reversal on Thursday, FORDA expressed its “shock and anguish” over the violence at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and admitted that its earlier decision had caused “distress.” The organization acknowledged its earlier call to end the strike had been premature.
“In light of the recent troubling events at RG Kar Medical College, the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) addresses our colleagues, the medical community, and the public with renewed resolve,” the statement read.
ALSO READ: 9 detained for midnight mob attack at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, police release pics of perpetrators
“We acknowledge that our earlier decision to call off the strike, made in good faith based on assurances from the Ministry, has caused distress and disappointment within our community. We accept responsibility for this and understand the widespread discontent it has caused.”
FORDA’s statement continued, “The events that have unfolded since, particularly the violence last night, have shocked and anguished us all. This represents a dark chapter for our profession. We strongly condemn the Union Ministry and State Government for their failure to honour their commitments and ensure the safety of healthcare professionals during this crisis.”
‘This is a pivotal moment’
The Federation has announced the immediate resumption of the strike and is coordinating with other RDAs to formulate a new action plan. “The events of the past few days have reinforced our commitment to our rights, our dignity, and the future of our profession. This is a pivotal moment. We must stand firm, united, and resolute in our struggle for justice and the respect we deserve,” FORDA asserted.
ALSO READ: SHOCKING VISUALS | Midnight mayhem at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital amid peaceful protests to ‘claim the night’
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Lucknow chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) will wear black badges on Friday to protest the brutal rape and murder, as well as the attack on the hospital. “We demand from the central government to make a stringent law for violence against doctors and hospital staff at the earliest. Every doctor’s security under a safe environment should be the responsibility of the government,” the IMA Lucknow statement said.
Black badges as mark of protest
“On 16th August 2024, we will all wear black badges on duty as a mark of protest against such a brutal and heinous crime and to show solidarity towards the family of the victim,” it added.
The violence at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital escalated during a vigil organized on Wednesday night, dubbed ‘women, reclaim the night.’ Protesters entered the hospital premises, causing significant damage to vehicles and public property. The Kolkata Police responded with a lathicharge and teargas, resulting in 15 injured policemen and nine arrests.
The deceased trainee doctor’s body was discovered last Friday, and the autopsy report revealed multiple injuries inflicted before her death by smothering. The police have arrested civic volunteer Sanjoy Roy, who is now in the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
