Medical services across India were severely disrupted on Saturday as doctors participated in a 24-hour nationwide strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to protest the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run medical college in Kolkata. The strike, which began at 6 a.m., saw doctors and medical staff ceasing all services except for essential and emergency care. The protest aimed to demand justice for the victim and address broader concerns regarding the safety and working conditions of healthcare professionals.
The IMA, representing the medical fraternity, has put forth five key demands, including a complete overhaul of the working and living conditions of resident doctors, particularly addressing the grueling 36-hour duty shifts. The association also called for hospitals to be designated as safe zones, with mandatory security measures to protect healthcare workers from violence.
In addition to these demands, the IMA urged for a swift and thorough investigation into the rape-murder case, with a call for justice to be delivered within a specific timeframe. The association also stressed the importance of identifying and punishing those involved in the vandalism of the hospital premises following the incident. They further demanded appropriate compensation for the victim’s family, reflecting the severity of the crime.
The strike followed widespread protests by doctors in cities across India, including Kolkata, Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. In Delhi, a significant protest march was held outside Nirman Bhavan, the headquarters of the Health Ministry, highlighting the deepening unrest among healthcare professionals.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took part in a protest march in Kolkata, demanding the death penalty for the accused and calling for a speedy investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). She emphasized the urgency of completing the probe before Sunday, August 18, asserting that the Kolkata Police had already completed 90% of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the BJP intensified its criticism of the West Bengal government, accusing Chief Minister Banerjee of failing in her constitutional duties. The party also alleged that the Trinamool Congress attempted to destroy evidence by inciting vandalism at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where the incident occurred.
The CBI, which is leading the investigation, questioned several individuals, including the ex-principal of RG Kar Hospital and four trainee doctors. The agency also arrested 25 individuals in connection with the vandalism, with efforts ongoing to apprehend others involved.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) also criticized the handling of the case, highlighting lapses in both the police investigation and the hospital’s security infrastructure. The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage, with demands for accountability and reforms echoing across the nation.
