Kolkata Rape & Murder: IMA Calls for Nationwide 24-Hour Strike on August 17

New Delhi- The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide withdrawal of services by doctors practicing modern medicine, following the brutal rape and murder of a young postgraduate student of chest medicine at R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The shocking incident, which took place in the early hours of August 9, has sparked widespread outrage and protests within the medical community and across the nation.

In the wake of the incident, resident doctors have been on strike, and protests, including candlelight marches, have been organized across the country.

Resident doctors across major government hospitals in Delhi, including AIIMS, VMMC-Safdarjung Hospital and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, shut down elective services earlier this week and went on strike, demanding better security and safety measures for medical personnel, and the central law.

The handling of the crime by the college authorities and the police has been widely criticized, with investigations stalling after the initial day. The situation took a significant turn on August 13, when the Calcutta High Court intervened, ordering the state police to hand over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation's progress and raised concerns about potential evidence tampering if the state police continued to handle the case.

Further tension arose on August 15, when a large crowd vandalized the hospital, causing extensive damage to various sections, including the area where the victim was found. Protesting medical students were also attacked during the chaos. Twelve persons were detained on Thursday evening for the vandalism incident.

In response to these events, the IMA has declared a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of services, starting from 6 a.m. on Saturday, August 17 to 6 a.m. on Sunday, August 18. During this period, all routine outpatient services (OPDs) and elective surgeries will be suspended, although essential services and emergency care will continue to be provided.

In a statement on Thursday, Dr. R.V. Ashokan, President of the IMA, stated, "This tragic incident has brought to light the vulnerability of doctors, particularly women, to violence within the healthcare environment. It is imperative that the authorities take immediate and effective measures to ensure the safety and security of healthcare professionals in hospitals and campuses."

Dr. Anil Kumar Nayak, Secretary General of the IMA, added, "The indifference and insensitivity of the concerned authorities towards the safety needs of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers have resulted in a growing atmosphere of fear and insecurity. This nationwide withdrawal of services is a call for action and a demand for justice for our colleague who lost her life in such a heinous manner. We urge the nation to stand in solidarity with the medical community during this time."

The IMA has appealed for public support and understanding during the withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of addressing the safety concerns of healthcare workers to prevent such tragedies in the future.