FORDA Calls Off Strike After Meeting with Health Minister Nadda

The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) has officially called off its nationwide strike after a meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Tuesday night. The strike, which began in response to the tragic rape and murder of a second-year resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, had seen doctors across the country halting elective services in hospitals as they demanded justice and better protection for healthcare professionals.

Resolution and Assurance: After the meeting, FORDA President Aviral Mathur announced that the strike was being called off as the association's demands had been met. During the meeting, which took place at the Union Minister's residence, Nadda assured the doctors that their concerns were being taken seriously. He promised to provide a safer working environment for doctors and confirmed that the investigation into the incident was ongoing.

Nadda also committed to forming a committee that would include doctors to address the issues raised by FORDA. He assured that all the demands of the association would be addressed in a time-bound manner, and a follow-up meeting would be scheduled soon to ensure continued progress.

Background of the Strike: The strike was prompted by the brutal rape and murder of a post-graduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The incident sparked widespread outrage among the medical community, leading FORDA to take a strong stand by halting elective services nationwide. In their letter to the Union Health Minister, FORDA described the incident as "perhaps the greatest travesty to have occurred in the history of the resident doctor community," emphasizing that the tragedy was an attack not just on their profession, but on the very essence of humanity.

Demands Presented: FORDA's demands included the resignation of key authorities at RG Kar Medical College, such as the Principal, MSVP, Dean, and the Head of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine. The association also called for action against the Assistant Commissioner of Police of the RG Kar MC&H police outpost, whom they accused of failing to protect the victim.

FORDA further demanded assurances that protesting doctors would be protected from police brutality and manhandling, with their right to peaceful protest respected. They also called for justice for the deceased doctor and proper compensation for her family.

Conclusion: With the strike now called off, FORDA has expressed hope that the government will take immediate action to address their demands and ensure the safety and security of all healthcare professionals. The association has made it clear that they stand ready to contribute to achieving these goals and will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that their concerns are adequately addressed.

The tragic event has brought to the forefront the need for systemic changes to protect healthcare workers, and FORDA's actions have highlighted the unity and resolve of the medical community in demanding justice and safety for their colleagues.