New Delhi: Health services across India faced significant disruptions as doctors nationwide participated in a 24-hour strike organized by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The strike, which began early Saturday morning, was in response to a recent violent incident at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal and the subsequent vandalism at the facility.
The unrest in West Bengal stemmed from the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old female trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. On August 9, the doctor was found injured in a seminar hall, and an autopsy revealed she had been raped before being killed. Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested on August 10 and is currently in 14-day police custody. In response to this horrific event, doctors across the state staged protests and struck work, severely affecting medical services on Saturday.
In the capital city of Delhi, the strike extended into its sixth day, with all elective services at hospitals suspended. Doctors from major hospitals, including AIIMS, RML Hospital, and DDU Hospital, held protest marches and candlelight vigils across the city. The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) organized these demonstrations to demand justice for the deceased trainee doctor and to highlight broader concerns about the safety of healthcare workers.
The IMA’s nationwide strike saw similar actions across various states, with doctors protesting against the vandalism at R G Kar Hospital on August 14 and calling for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals. Both government and private hospitals in Kolkata experienced service disruptions as medical staff joined the demonstrations.
The IMA has called for a unified action plan aimed at instituting stronger protections for healthcare workers and preventing future violence. The RDA emphasized that the strike is not only a call for justice but also a plea to safeguard the lives of those working on the front lines of healthcare.
As the situation continues to unfold, the nationwide response underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to protect medical personnel and uphold the integrity of healthcare facilities across India.
