Doctors Launch 24-Hour Nationwide Strike Over Kolkata Rape-Murder

In response to the nationwide outrage over the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a Kolkata hospital, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour nationwide strike, suspending non-emergency medical services starting today.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA), the largest doctors’ organization in India, is calling for significant changes to improve the working and living conditions of resident doctors, including addressing 36-hour shifts and ensuring safe rest areas.

The IMA also demands a central law to protect medical professionals from workplace violence. The strike, which started at 6 a.m. today and will continue until Sunday, will see all emergency services remain operational.

However, routine outpatient services and elective surgeries will be suspended. In its statement, the IMA has outlined demands for hospitals to have security measures comparable to those at airports.

The association calls for hospitals to be designated as safe zones, equipped with CCTV cameras and increased security personnel. The doctors’ body also demanded a thorough and swift investigation into the “barbaric” crime and called for “appropriate and dignified” compensation for the victim’s family.

Key medical student organizations, including the All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) and the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA), have joined the nationwide strike.

The IMA’s Chandigarh unit has suspended outpatient services and will hold a protest march starting at 11 a.m. today. In Bengaluru, over 1,000 doctors are expected to participate in a demonstration at the IMA office.

The nationwide strike follows a day of protests by students across Indian cities, who held marches and dharnas in response to the perceived inaction over the horrific rape-murder that has shocked the nation.

In Delhi, various resident doctors’ associations from AIIMS and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital gathered at Nirman Bhawan on Friday. They also held a candle march at India Gate.

Protesting doctors at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the site of the horrific crime, have expressed frustration over unmet demands for justice. They have accused the police of mishandling the case and the ruling TMC government of attempting to destroy evidence to protect the accused.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is now handling the case under an order from the Calcutta High Court. A CBI officer stated on Friday that they have identified at least 30 suspects and have begun questioning them.