Healthcare services across India have been severely disrupted as doctors respond to the Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) call for a 24-hour strike starting from 6 am on Saturday. This nationwide action is a reaction to the recent rape-murder of a trainee doctor at a Kolkata hospital, which has sparked widespread outrage and protests.
The IMA, representing the largest organization of medical professionals in India, has demanded immediate changes to improve the working conditions and safety for doctors. The strike has seen the suspension of non-emergency medical services, including outpatient departments (OPD) and elective surgeries, although emergency services remain operational.
In Jharkhand, both government and private hospitals have joined the strike, with several medical organizations planning marches in Ranchi later in the day. In Delhi, doctors at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital are continuing their strike, shutting down OPD and lab services. Meanwhile, in Chennai, doctors are holding a boycott protest, and outpatient services across West Bengal have been affected.
The IMA’s Chandigarh unit has suspended OPD services and organized a protest march from 11 am today. In Bengaluru, over 1,000 doctors are expected to participate in a protest at the IMA office. The IMA has called for a central law to prevent violence against medical professionals and has demanded that hospital security be improved to match airport standards, with increased CCTV coverage and security personnel.
Key student organizations, including The All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) and the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA), have also joined the strike. This action follows student protests across Indian cities against perceived inaction over the brutal crime.
Protesters at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the site of the crime, have accused the police of mishandling the investigation and the Trinamool Congress government of attempting to destroy evidence. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has now taken over the case, with investigations underway and at least 30 suspects identified.
