Doctors Across India Strike Over Trainee Doctor’s Tragic Death in Kolkata
New Delhi, August 17, 2024: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour strike by all modern medicine doctors across India. This strike is in response to the nationwide outrage over the rape and murder of a second-year trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
Strike Details
The strike began at 6 am on Saturday and will end at 6 am on Sunday, August 18, 2024. During this period, outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries will be halted, but emergency and casualty services will continue to function.
Protests in Various Cities
In Delhi, the Resident Doctors’ Association of UCMS and GTBH will continue their strike and hold a General Body meeting at 9:30 am. In Chennai, resident doctors from Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Madras Medical College are also protesting. A protesting doctor in Chennai emphasized that emergency services will continue and called for justice for the victim and her family.
Reactions from Mumbai
In Mumbai, relatives of patients at Sion Hospital reported that services are running smoothly despite the strike. One relative mentioned that although there are fewer doctors, the services are still operational. They expressed support for the doctors’ cause and called for punishment for those responsible for the incident in Kolkata.
Statements from IMA
Anil Kumar J Nayak, General Secretary of the IMA, stated that all IMA members would observe the strike, with only emergency and casualty services available. He mentioned that they had discussed security measures with Union Health Minister JP Nadda and urged the National Commission for Women to visit Kolkata. Nayak emphasized the need for safety and security for women doctors, noting that over 60% of doctors are women.
Background of the Incident
On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. This tragic incident has led to widespread protests and strikes by the medical community across the country. The hospital campus was vandalized by a mob on Wednesday, forcing security personnel to intervene.
Doubts Revealed
Indian Medical Association (IMA) -: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is a group of doctors in India who work together to improve healthcare and support doctors.
24-hour strike -: A 24-hour strike means that doctors will stop working for one whole day to show they are unhappy about something.
modern medicine doctors -: Modern medicine doctors are doctors who use the latest scientific methods and medicines to treat patients.
trainee doctor -: A trainee doctor is someone who is learning to become a full doctor and is still in training.
RG Kar Medical College -: RG Kar Medical College is a big hospital and medical school in Kolkata where doctors are trained.
OPDs -: OPDs are Out-Patient Departments where people go to see doctors for check-ups and minor treatments without staying in the hospital.
elective surgeries -: Elective surgeries are planned operations that are not emergencies, like fixing a broken bone or removing a mole.
emergency services -: Emergency services are medical treatments that are needed right away, like for accidents or sudden illnesses.
protests -: Protests are when people gather together to show they are unhappy about something and want it to change.
Delhi and Chennai -: Delhi and Chennai are big cities in India where many people live and work.
IMA General Secretary Anil Kumar J Nayak -: Anil Kumar J Nayak is a leader in the Indian Medical Association who helps make important decisions for doctors.
safety and security for women doctors -: Safety and security for women doctors means making sure that women who are doctors are protected from harm and feel safe at work.