Doctors Nationwide Call for Hospital Shutdown in Protest of Kolkata Doctor’s Rape-Murder Case

The brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 have sparked a nationwide outcry, culminating in a massive doctors’ strike starting Saturday, August 17. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), the largest organization representing medical professionals in India, has announced a 24-hour nationwide strike, marking one of the largest protests in over a decade.

Nationwide Strike: What to Expect

The IMA’s strike will begin at 6 AM on Saturday, August 17, and continue until 6 AM on Sunday, August 18. During this period, most hospital departments across the country will remain closed, including routine outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries. However, essential services, including emergency care and critical treatments, will remain operational to handle any urgent medical needs.

The strike will impact both public and private hospitals, affecting all areas where modern medicine doctors work. Casualty services will also be available during the strike.

Protests Erupt Across India

In addition to the nationwide strike, the medical community is organizing protests and demonstrations across the country:

• Resident Doctors Association at Government Medical College, Amritsar: Non-essential and elective hospital services, including OPDs, operating theaters, and wards, have been suspended since August 16 until further notice.
• Resident Doctors’ Associations in Delhi: A joint protest march will be held on August 16, starting at 2 PM from Nirman Bhavan in the National Capital.
• Delhi Medical Association (DMA): A candle march will be organized at India Gate at 5 PM on August 16 to protest the heinous crime.
• Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD): A protest will be held at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on August 16.
• Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist): A 12-hour general strike has been called in Siliguri on August 16, causing significant disruptions in the city, with most shops closed since 6 PM on Thursday.

Public Impact and Reactions

The nationwide strike is expected to have a significant impact on healthcare services, with many patients likely to face delays in non-emergency treatments. However, the medical fraternity insists that this drastic measure is necessary to demand justice for the murdered doctor and to highlight the urgent need for safety reforms in hospitals.

Dr. Shantanu Sen, National President of IMA, stated, “This is not just about one incident; it is about the safety of every doctor working across the country. We cannot allow such heinous acts to go unnoticed. We demand swift justice and stringent measures to protect healthcare workers.”

The general public has expressed mixed reactions, with many supporting the doctors’ cause, while others are concerned about the disruption of medical services. The ongoing protests and strikes have brought attention to the broader issue of safety and security for healthcare workers, an issue that has long been neglected.