AIIMS and Safdarjung Doctors Continue Strike Over Kolkata Medic Murder

In New Delhi, several hospitals, including AIIMS and Safdarjung, continue their strike for the third consecutive day in response to the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The Resident Doctors' Associations (RDAs) from AIIMS, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia, and Indira Gandhi Hospital have shut down Outpatient Departments (OPDs), Operating Theatres (OTs), and wards as part of the ongoing protest.

Continued Strike and Demands: The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has reiterated its support for the strike, standing in solidarity with doctors across the country in condemning the heinous crime. Despite a meeting with Resident Doctor Associations from various states and Institutes of National Importance, FAIMA announced that the strike would continue in solidarity with the victim and to demand better protection for healthcare workers.

However, the Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) called off its strike after a meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Tuesday night. FORDA stated that the decision to end the strike was made in the interest of patient welfare, acknowledging that prolonged strikes could adversely impact healthcare services.

Government Response: One of the key outcomes of the meeting between FORDA and the Health Minister was the agreement to form a committee with FORDA's involvement to work on the Central Protection Act. The ministry has assured that work on this legislation, aimed at providing better protection for healthcare workers, will begin within the next 15 days.

Wider Impact: In addition to AIIMS and Safdarjung, doctors at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital and Maulana Azad Medical College, along with associated hospitals, have also called off their strike following assurances from the government. However, the incident has left a significant impact on the medical community, with many doctors continuing their protest to demand justice for the victim.

Background: The incident took place at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, where a postgraduate trainee doctor was found raped and murdered on August 9. The 32-year-old woman’s semi-naked body was found in the seminar hall of the government-run hospital. The tragic event has led to widespread outrage and protests across the country, with the medical community demanding stronger measures to ensure the safety and security of healthcare workers.

The ongoing strike and protests highlight the urgent need for systemic changes to protect healthcare professionals and prevent such tragedies in the future.