24-Hour Strike Nationwide Doctors' Strike Announced In Response To Kolkata Doctor's Rape-Murder

Following the horrific incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) announced a nationwide withdrawal of services by modern medicine doctors. This strike will last from 6:00 am on August 17 to 6:00 am on August 18. Essential services will continue, and emergency cases will be attended to. The IMA stated, "IMA requires the sympathy of the nation with the just cause of its doctors."

Closure of OPD Services

The decision to close outpatient departments (OPDs) is part of the IMA's nationwide strike to condemn the rape and murder of the trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This tragic event has prompted widespread outrage among medical professionals.

In Goa, over 1,000 doctors from both private and government hospitals will refrain from attending OPD services for 24 hours starting on August 17. This action is in protest against the heinous crime committed in Kolkata and aims to demand swift justice for the victim.

Goa Doctors Join Protest

Dr Sandesh Chodankar, president of the Indian Medical Association (Goa Branch), informed the media that OPD services in private and government medical establishments across Goa would be shut down. He mentioned that more than 1,000 doctors would participate in this strike, and discussions are ongoing with hospital support staff to join the state-wide protest.

Chodankar stressed that what happened at the Kolkata hospital was not just an act of violence against a doctor but also a brutal attack on a woman at her workplace. He argued that if such incidents were extrapolated to other sectors, it would necessitate a nationwide shutdown across all professions.

Demands for Justice

The IMA has called for justice for the victim's family, including appropriate financial compensation, expedited investigation and trial, and severe punishment for those responsible. Additionally, they have demanded immediate implementation of a central law against violence towards doctors, declaration of hospitals as safe zones, and adequate security measures for medical professionals.

"The minimum we can offer from our side is to abide by IMA guidelines and shut down routine OPD services without compromising emergency patient care," Chodankar noted. The future course of action regarding this agitation will be decided on August 18.