Hospital Bandh On August 17? IMA Lists Demands As Nationwide Protests Intensify

Hospital bandh on Saturday: Amid widespread outrage over the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide shutdown or bandh of medical services across all sectors. The IMA stated that the shutdown will last for 24 hours, beginning on Saturday, August 17.

Initially, doctors had called off their strike following the horrific incident, but decided to resume it after a mob of unidentified individuals vandalised the RG Kar Medical College-the crime scene-during a peaceful protest on the night of August 14.

In a press release, the IMA declared a 24-hour withdrawal of services by all modern medicine doctors nationwide, regardless of their sector or place of work. "Emergency and casualty services will remain functional. No OPDs. No elective surgeries. The withdrawal begins at 6 am on Saturday, August 17, 2024, and ends at 6 am on Sunday, August 18, 2024," the statement read.

The association's demands include the implementation of a central law to ensure the safety of doctors and healthcare workers. The IMA also emphasized that security measures at hospitals should be on par with those at airports.

"Declaring hospitals as safe zones with mandatory security provisions is the first step. This should be followed by installing CCTVs, deploying security personnel, and establishing clear protocols," the IMA said.

The association also called for a timely and transparent investigation into the gruesome crime and urged for significant compensation for the victim's family in light of the brutal attack on their daughter.

On August 9, the 31-year-old postgraduate doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The autopsy revealed signs of sexual assault, multiple injuries, bleeding from her eyes and mouth, and a broken pelvic girdle.

The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with the medical community across the country going on strike, demanding swift justice and stronger laws to ensure workplace safety.