New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Thursday called for a nationwide strike across all hospitals, both public and private, on Saturday over the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. While the emergency services will remain functional, IMA office-bearers said they are urging all members to keep OPD services and elective procedures shut.
“Our demands include justice for the deceased, a central law to protect doctors against violence and declaration of hospitals as safe zones, among others,” Dr Vinay Aggarwal, chairman of the IMA action committee said. He also condemned the vandalism at the Kolkata hospital.
Meanwhile, following Wednesday night’s violence in RG Kar, the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) India has decided to resume its nationwide strike, which it had earlier unilaterally withdrawn after a meeting with Union health minister J P Nadda.
Posting on X, FORDA stated the decision was taken after the recent attack on doctors at the hospital and govt’s failure to deliver on promises in a timely manner, as assured.
In a statement, Dr Aviral Mathur, president of FORDA, said, “We acknowledge that our earlier decision to call off the strike, made in good faith based on assurance from the ministry, has caused distress and disappointment within our community. We accept responsibility for this and understand the widespread discontent it has caused.”
He added that the events that had unfolded since, particularly the violence Wednesday night, had “shocked and anguished” everyone.
“This represents a dark chapter for our profession. As an association, we reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with our fellow resident doctors. We strongly condemn the Union ministry and state govt for their failure to honour their commitments and ensure the safety of healthcare professionals during the crisis,” read the statement.
“Given the gravity of recent developments and the overwhelming call for justice, we have decided to resume the strike, effective immediately. We are working with all stakeholders and resident doctors’ associations to develop a strategic plan for action,” it added.
FORDA, in collaboration with the Central Govt Nursing Federation, announced it will hold a candlelight march at India Gate on Friday at 6pm. The organisation has called upon doctors, including those in private practice, healthcare organisations, IMA and Delhi Medical Association, as well as medical professionals across the country, to join the event.
In a statement, FORDA members said, “This is our stand for justice, safety and respect. Tomorrow it could be any of us. Let’s unite, make our voices heard and demand a future where such violence is unthinkable.”
The Joint Forum of Resident Doctors’ Association of Delhi has also decided that all associations across the city will conduct a protest march on Friday at Nirman Bhawan.
