In a powerful display of solidarity and demand for justice, resident doctors across India have launched significant strikes following the recent rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata.

The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors has announced an indefinite suspension of elective and nonemergency medical services with effect from 8 am on August 13. This strike is to bring into the limelight some very justified demands after the unfortunate incident in Kolkata. In the same way, ten government hospitals in Delhi joined the agitation and suspended all elective services from Monday. These hospitals include Maulana Azad Medical College, RML Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, GTB, IHBAS, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College, and National Institute of TB and Respiratory Diseases. The Delhi strike began at 9 am, the RDA said.

Rape-murder of a PG trainee woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata | BMC MARD (Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors) announces the suspension of elective/non-emergency medical services by resident doctors from 8 am on August 13 until the acceptance… pic.twitter.com/Hnm0hbdnmF

— ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2024

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In connection with this indefinite strike, OPDs, OTs, and ward duties will stay closed, with the emergency services remaining exempted and continuing normally to take care of any urgent issues with the patients.

The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) has called for these strikes to press immediate action and justice regarding the unfortunate incident involving the postgraduate trainee doctor.

What Striking Doctors Are Calling For

1. Immediate Appointment of a Central Agency: Authorities should appoint a central agency to properly investigate the case and ensure that justice is served quickly.

2. Creation of a Central Protection Act:  This act would protect healthcare workers with legal safeguards necessary for discharging their duties without fear.

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3. Revamping Health Institution Security: There has to be, on an immediate note, auditing and improvement in security for all health institutions, increasing the number of security guards, and oversight of one representative of MARD within 15 days.

4. Detailed Report on CCTV and Monitoring: This requires the hospital to present detailed reports regarding the number of CCTVs installed, live feed monitoring for complete coverage, and proper storage and back-up of footage.

Nationwide Halt By Doctors On Kolkata Rape Incident

A candle march was taken out from JLN Stadium to AIIMS on Sunday by the RDA, AIIMS in solidarity. The doctors of the premier institute were paying homage to the assaulted and murdered doctor from RG Kar Medical College. Nationwide, the FORDA announced a halt of elective services on August 12 in solidarity with the residents of RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.

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