The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a 24-hour nationwide strike of non-emergency services from 6 am on August 17, in response to the alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. The strike will see a halt in out-patient departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries, though essential services and casualty wards will remain operational. This decision follows a series of violent incidents at the hospital, including vandalism and attacks on protesting students and medical staff.
The IMA’s protest underscores the vulnerability of doctors, particularly women, to violence within healthcare settings. The association has condemned the vandalism and the authorities’ failure to maintain order and safety during an ongoing CBI investigation into the case. The violence, which included damage to hospital property and assaults on police personnel, has raised concerns about the integrity of the investigation and the security of healthcare workers. The Kolkata Police reported significant property damage and injuries during the unrest, prompting the involvement of the CBI to ensure a thorough investigation.
