IMA Declares Nationwide 24-Hour Strike to Protest Kolkata Medic Murder

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide 24-hour strike, suspending non-emergency medical services across the country in response to the alleged rape and murder of a trainee female doctor at Kolkata's R G Kar Hospital and Medical College. The strike is scheduled to begin at 6 AM on Saturday, August 17, and will last until 6 AM on Sunday, August 18. The decision follows the vandalism at the Kolkata hospital by protestors, which occurred on the eve of Independence Day.

Details of the Strike: During the 24-hour strike, all Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries will be suspended. However, essential services and casualty wards will continue to operate. The IMA's statement indicates that the strike will affect all areas where modern medicine doctors provide services.

Reason for the Protest: The IMA's decision to call for a nationwide strike stems from the alleged brutal crime that took place at R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata and the subsequent violence that occurred during the protests. The medical association condemned the hooliganism that took place at the hospital, highlighting the vulnerability of doctors, especially women, to violence due to the nature of their profession.

IMA's Statement: In a statement, the IMA emphasized the responsibility of authorities to ensure the safety and security of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers within hospital premises. The association criticized the indifference and insensitivity of the authorities towards the needs of medical professionals, which they believe has contributed to the increase in physical assaults and crimes against healthcare workers.

Vandalism at Kolkata Hospital: The IMA also condemned the vandalism that took place at the Kolkata hospital on the evening of August 9, where nearly 40 individuals, pretending to be protestors, entered the premises and caused significant damage. The miscreants vandalized the Emergency Ward, nursing station, medicine store, and a section of the OPD, destroying several CCTV cameras in the process. A police vehicle was flipped over, multiple two-wheelers were damaged, and several police personnel sustained injuries during the incident.

Ongoing Investigation: The investigation into the trainee doctor's death has been transferred from the Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on orders from the Calcutta High Court. The IMA expressed concern over the potential loss of crucial evidence due to the vandalism and urged the authorities to maintain law and order during this critical period.

The IMA's 24-hour strike is a strong statement of solidarity with the victim and a call for greater protection for healthcare professionals across the country. As the strike approaches, the medical community hopes that their demands for safety and justice will be taken seriously by the authorities.