Doctors Strike Nationwide After Kolkata Incident: Dr. Indra Shekhar Prasad Speaks Out
New Delhi, India – August 14: The tragic incident of a post-graduate trainee doctor being found dead in Kolkata has caused outrage among doctors across the country. Dr. Indra Shekhar Prasad, President of the Resident Doctors Association, stated that doctors will continue their strike until they receive concrete assurances of their safety.
Dr. Prasad emphasized, “What happened in Kolkata is not the only incident of its kind. Many such cases are happening on a daily basis in the country… Being a doctor is one of the noblest professions, we work in a temple-like atmosphere, and if doctors are not safe, how will the patients feel safe?”
He added, “Till the time we get concrete assurance of a long-term and strict law for the safety and security of doctors, health workers, and hospitals, we will continue with our strike.”
Non-emergency surgeries were affected nationwide as hundreds of doctors protested. Dr. Suvrankar Datta, Vice-President of the Resident Doctors Association, AIIMS, called for a legal provision for the safety of doctors. He said, “Our primary demand is to work on the security lapse in the medical infrastructure of the country… What happened in Kolkata can happen with anyone. We demand the Central Government to bring a Central Protection Act on an immediate basis, or either give us a written assurance that a legal provision to ensure the safety of healthcare workers will be brought soon.”
The CBI has taken over the investigation of the case as ordered by the Calcutta High Court. The OPD services of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital remain closed, and the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) continues its nationwide shutdown of OPD services over the incident.
The post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The family has alleged that the victim was raped and murdered.
Doubts Revealed
Doctors Strike -: A strike is when people stop working to protest something. Here, doctors across India have stopped working to show they are unhappy and want changes.
Kolkata -: Kolkata is a big city in India, located in the state of West Bengal. It is known for its rich culture and history.
Post-graduate trainee doctor -: A post-graduate trainee doctor is someone who has finished medical school and is now getting more training in a hospital.
Dr. Indra Shekhar Prasad -: Dr. Indra Shekhar Prasad is the President of the Resident Doctors Association, which is a group that represents doctors who are still in training.
Resident Doctors Association -: The Resident Doctors Association is a group that helps and supports doctors who are still learning and training in hospitals.
Central Protection Act -: A Central Protection Act would be a law made by the central government to protect doctors and make sure they are safe while working.
CBI -: CBI stands for Central Bureau of Investigation. It is a special police force in India that investigates serious crimes.
OPD services -: OPD stands for Outpatient Department. It is the part of the hospital where people go for check-ups and minor treatments without staying overnight.
RG Kar Medical College and Hospital -: RG Kar Medical College and Hospital is a well-known hospital and medical school in Kolkata.
Raped and murdered -: Raped means someone was forced to have sex against their will, and murdered means someone was killed. These are very serious crimes.
