Healthcare services across India have been significantly impacted as doctors participate in a 24-hour strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in response to the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a Kolkata hospital.
The strike, which began at 6 am on Saturday, will continue until Sunday morning, affecting routine outpatient services and elective surgeries nationwide, though emergency services remain operational.
Doctors from both government and private hospitals across states like Jharkhand, Assam, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Karnataka are actively participating in the strike.
Protests are particularly intense at Assam Medical College and Hospital and Delhi’s Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, where ongoing strikes have led to the suspension of outpatient and laboratory services.
In Chennai, a boycott protest has been organised by doctors, leading to the disruption of outpatient services. Meanwhile, in Chandigarh, the IMA’s local unit has suspended OPD services and will hold a protest march. Bengaluru is also seeing significant participation, with over 1,000 doctors expected to protest at the IMA office.
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Key Demands and Concerns
The IMA has issued a list of demands, including improved working and living conditions for resident doctors, such as the elimination of 36-hour shifts and the provision of safe resting spaces.
The organization has also called for a central law to prevent violence against medical professionals at their workplaces. They demand that hospitals be declared safe zones, with security protocols comparable to those at airports, including the installation of CCTVs and increased security personnel.
The strike has gained support from key medical student organizations, including The All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) and the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA). This nationwide action follows a series of protest marches and dharnas conducted by students across various Indian cities, all condemning the perceived inaction over the brutal crime in Kolkata.
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Doctors at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where the crime occurred, have accused the police of mishandling the case and alleged that the Trinamool Congress government is attempting to destroy evidence to protect the accused. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), now leading the investigation following an order from the Calcutta High Court, has identified around 30 suspects and commenced questioning.
The strike and protests underscore the deep frustration and anger within the medical community over the safety of healthcare professionals and the handling of this tragic case.
