National Desk, August 17, 2024 — In a strong show of solidarity and protest, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has initiated a 24-hour nationwide strike following the shocking rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The strike, which began at 6 am today, has led to the closure of outpatient departments (OPDs) and the postponement of elective surgeries across the country, though emergency services will remain operational.
The IMA’s decision comes in the wake of nationwide outrage over the incident, which has amplified calls for systemic reforms in the healthcare sector to protect medical professionals.
- Improved Working Conditions: The IMA is calling for a complete overhaul of the working and living conditions for resident doctors. They demand the end of grueling 36-hour shifts and the provision of safer and more comfortable rest areas within hospitals.
- Hospital Protection Bill: The IMA is pushing for the integration of recent amendments to the Epidemic Diseases Act into a proposed Hospital Protection Bill. This bill would extend security measures to hospitals across 25 states, ensuring the safety of healthcare workers similar to protocols established during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Thorough Investigation: The IMA demands a swift and comprehensive investigation into the murder of the trainee doctor, including the prosecution of those responsible for the vandalism at R.G. Kar Medical College on August 14.
- Enhanced Security Protocols: The association is urging hospitals to adopt stringent security measures akin to those at airports, including the installation of CCTV cameras and the deployment of security personnel to safeguard healthcare workers.
- Dignified Compensation: The IMA insists on dignified compensation for the family of the deceased, reflecting the severity of the crime.
Protests have erupted across the country, with thousands of doctors marching in major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Demonstrators carried signs demanding justice and better security for healthcare professionals.
In Kolkata, junior doctors, including Rumalika Kumar and Riya Bera, expressed their frustration over the lack of transparency in the investigation and called for the immediate arrest of all suspects involved. The Kolkata Police have reported the arrest of 25 individuals connected to the vandalism at the hospital.
The incident has also triggered political repercussions, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing the Left of collaborating with the BJP to incite unrest in the state. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party Mahila Morcha, led by Vanathi Srinivasan, held a silent candlelight march to show solidarity with the victim’s family and demand justice.
As the strike continues, the IMA hopes that their actions will lead to meaningful changes that protect and respect the lives of healthcare workers across the nation.
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