Doctors’ Strike Intensifies Across India Following Kolkata Rape Incident, Disrupting Healthcare Services Nationwide
14.08.2024: The brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata has sparked widespread protests across India, leading to a crippling strike by resident doctors that has severely impacted healthcare services. The incident, which occurred at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, has ignited outrage among the medical community, resulting in a nationwide strike that has brought outpatient department (OPD) services to a standstill in several states.
Nationwide Impact on Healthcare Services
In West Bengal, the epicenter of the protests, junior doctors’ strikes have halted operations in both emergency and outdoor departments at government hospitals. Long queues formed outside OPDs as senior doctors attempted to manage the overwhelming number of patients.
The ripple effect of the strike was felt across India, with resident doctors in states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan joining the movement. While emergency services have remained operational, elective surgeries and OPD services have been suspended in many regions, leaving patients in distress.
Doctors’ Demands and Government Response
The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA), which spearheaded the strike, demanded swift justice for the victim and the implementation of a Central Protection Act to safeguard healthcare workers. Despite meeting with Union Health Minister J P Nadda, who assured them of the formation of a committee to draft the act, the doctors’ agitation continued.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) also pressed for the declaration of hospitals as safe zones and the introduction of security stipulations for medical colleges. Although the health minister agreed to consider these demands, the strikes persisted until more concrete actions were promised.
Legal Developments and Continuing Protests
In a significant legal development, the Calcutta High Court ordered the transfer of the investigation from Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI has since taken over the case, sending a team of forensic scientists and medical experts to Kolkata.
Despite the court’s intervention and ongoing investigations, doctors across the country continue their protests, demanding justice for their colleague and the implementation of stronger protective measures for healthcare workers. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued an advisory urging medical colleges and institutions to develop policies that ensure a safe work environment for all staff, including resident doctors.
The tragic incident in Kolkata has not only highlighted the vulnerability of healthcare workers but has also brought to light the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure their safety. As the strike continues, the medical community stands united in its demand for justice and stronger protective laws.