Doctors across India have announced a nationwide strike from 6 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, to 6 a.m. on Sunday, August 18. The strike, organized by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), comes in response to ongoing protests in Kolkata following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The strike will affect routine outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries, though essential medical services will remain operational.
The IMA's decision to withdraw services is a direct response to the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College, which has sparked widespread outrage and demonstrations among the medical community. On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was reportedly raped and murdered while on duty, leading to significant unrest and protests across the country.
According to the IMA's official statement, the 24-hour strike will see a suspension of routine OPDs and elective surgeries, but critical and emergency services will continue to operate. The statement emphasized the necessity of this action, noting that all essential services, including emergency care and casualty management, would be upheld during the strike period. The IMA has appealed to the public for understanding and support, framing the strike as a necessary measure to advocate for justice and safety for medical professionals.
In parallel with the nationwide strike, the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has called for a protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on August 16. The protest, scheduled for 1 p.m., will involve various medical associations and professionals, including doctors, medical students, and resident doctors. MARD's press release highlighted the need for solidarity and action against the ongoing violence and injustice faced by medical personnel.
Additionally, members of the Bengali film and television industry have shown solidarity with the protesting doctors at RG Kar Medical College. The incident has not only triggered nationwide protests but also led to violent clashes, including vandalism of the protest site and hospital campus on August 14. Security personnel had to intervene to disperse the agitated crowd.
The nationwide strike and associated protests underscore the severity of the crisis within the medical community following the tragic events in Kolkata. As doctors demand justice and improved safety measures, the public and authorities face pressure to address the underlying issues and ensure the protection of medical professionals across the country.
