New Delhi: In response to the horrific rape and murder of a lady doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, doctors and nursing staff across the country have launched a nationwide strike. The violent incident, which took place late on Wednesday (14 August 2024), has been condemned by the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) as a serious law and order failure.
Following the tragic event, FAIMA convened an emergency meeting with Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) from various states and institutions. The meeting resulted in a collective decision to indefinitely suspend selected medical services across the country. The decision has sent shockwaves through the healthcare system, severely impacting patients who rely on outpatient and routine medical care.
The strike has already left its mark on major hospitals, including Delhi’s AIIMS, where numerous patients had to return without treatment due to the closure of outpatient departments (OPDs). Heartbreaking videos have surfaced showing distressed patients waiting in vain outside hospitals. While essential emergency services, including ICU care, remain operational, the indefinite suspension of non-emergency services is causing widespread disruption.
FAIMA has called on every medical, nursing, and faculty association to join what it describes as a historic fight for justice for resident doctors. Their demands include the establishment of a Central Protection Authority (CPA) committee dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of doctors nationwide.
Amid escalating protests, FAIMA announced plans for a peaceful march in Delhi on 17th August 2024. The protest will begin at 5 PM from Lady Hardinge Medical College (Gate No. 2) and proceed to Jantar Mantar. FAIMA expressed its outrage over the attack on RG Kar Medical College, where a mob of 400-500 people stormed the premises, including the emergency area. Visuals of the violence, now circulating widely on social media, have sparked national outrage and added urgency to the ongoing protests.
The Federation of Resident Doctors Association India (FORDA), which had previously called off its strike following a meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda on 13th August, reissued its strike notice on Thursday (15 August 2024) in solidarity with the ongoing protests.
As the medical community intensifies its demand for justice, the impact of the strike continues to ripple across the country, bringing vital healthcare services to a standstill.
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