In response to the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, doctors across India have launched a nationwide strike. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a 24-hour withdrawal of non-emergency health services, starting from 6 a.m. today, to demand justice and improved safety for medical professionals.
While essential services and casualty units will remain operational, routine outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries have been halted. The strike, endorsed by the IMA, spans all sectors where modern medicine is practiced, underscoring the widespread anger and demand for action within the medical community.
The horrific incident, which occurred over a week ago, has sparked outrage not just within the medical fraternity but across the nation. Protests have erupted in various cities, with medical professionals and women’s groups voicing their concerns over the increasing violence against women and the failure of existing laws to provide adequate deterrence.
The situation remains tense as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) intensifies its probe into the crime. Forensic experts from RG Kar Medical College have been summoned for questioning, and digital mapping of the crime scene is currently underway. The parents of the victim have reportedly provided the CBI with names of individuals they suspect may be involved, further complicating the investigation.
Protests are not limited to Kolkata. Resident doctors in Panaji, Goa, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot have also staged demonstrations, expressing solidarity with their colleagues in Kolkata. The IMA’s five-point demand includes the enactment of stronger legislation to protect doctors and hospitals, declaring hospitals as safe zones, and overhauling the working conditions for resident doctors.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has commented on the situation, emphasizing that this is a nationwide issue that affects all citizens. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has criticized the state government, holding it accountable for the worsening safety conditions and urging immediate action.