AIIMS and RML Doctors Call Off Strike After Supreme Court's Appeal

AIIMS and RML Doctors Call Off Strike After Supreme Court's Appeal

Strike Overview and Reasons

The 11-day strike led by doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML), and Indira Gandhi Hospital (IGH) came to an end on Thursday. This strike was initiated in response to the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata, an incident that sparked nationwide outrage among the medical community.

Supreme Court’s Intervention:

  • Appeal to Resume Duties: The decision to call off the strike was influenced by an appeal from the Supreme Court. The court assured the doctors that no punitive action would be taken against them for participating in the strike.
  • Ongoing Services: Although emergency services were maintained during the strike, routine outpatient department (OPD) services were suspended since August 12. The strike highlighted the severe security concerns within the healthcare system.

Incident Details:

  • Trigger Incident: The strike was sparked by the discovery of a junior doctor's brutally assaulted and murdered body in the seminar hall of a state-run hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The incident raised serious concerns about the safety and security of healthcare professionals in India.
  • Legal and Security Actions: The police arrested a civic volunteer in connection with the murder the day after the body was found. Following the Supreme Court’s intervention, a task force was established to address the safety concerns highlighted by this tragic event.

Statements from RDA Leaders:

  • AIIMS RDA Response: The AIIMS Resident Doctors' Association announced their decision to return to work, reaffirming their dedication to patient care and public service. Dr. Indra Shekhar Prasad, President of RDA AIIMS Delhi, remarked on the difficulty of striking but acknowledged the necessity due to the severe security lapses exposed by the incident.
  • RML Hospital’s Position: Similarly, the RDA of RML Hospital announced the suspension of their strike, citing the Supreme Court’s response to their concerns as the reason for resuming all duties.

Conclusion:

This resolution marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for improved safety and security for healthcare workers in India. The collective action by the doctors has brought attention to the critical need for systemic changes to ensure that such tragic incidents do not recur.