Kolkata: A wave of nationwide protests has swept across India in response to the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The tragedy has led to massive disruptions in medical services and demonstrations by healthcare professionals from various states.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour nationwide suspension of non-emergency services starting at 6 a.m. on August 17. This protest is in response to the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, as well as the vandalism that occurred at the hospital.

In a statement issued late Thursday night, the IMA confirmed that essential services and emergency care will continue as usual. However, outpatient departments (OPD) will be closed, and elective surgeries will be postponed. This suspension affects all areas where doctors practice modern medicine, according to the IMA.

"Subsequent to the brutal crime in R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata, and the hooliganism unleashed on the protesting students on the eve of Independence Day (Wednesday night), the Indian Medical Association declares nationwide withdrawal of services by doctors of modern medicine from 6 am on Saturday 17.08.2024 to 6 am Sunday 18.08.2024 for 24 hours," the statement said.

"Doctors, especially women, are vulnerable to violence because of the nature of the profession. It is for authorities to provide for the safety of doctors inside hospitals and campuses. Both physical assaults and crimes are a result of indifference and insensitivity of the authorities concerned to the needs of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers," it said.

The decision to halt non-emergency services was made after a meeting with state branches of the IMA.

On Friday, the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) announced the suspension of outpatient department (OPD) services at public healthcare centers across Punjab. The move is a direct protest against the horrific crime and a call for urgent action. Dr. Akhil Sarin, PCMSA president, stated, "We are demanding expeditious justice for the victim, central protection act for healthcare professionals and adequate security arrangements at public healthcare facilities." Emergency and medico-legal services remain operational during this protest.

In Chandigarh, the Faculty Association of PGIMER has also pledged support for the Indian Medical Association's (IMA) strike planned for Saturday. A statement from PGIMER confirmed that all OPD services will be closed for both new and existing patients, though emergency and critical care services will continue.

In Kolkata, protests have intensified. Junior doctors Rumalika Kumar and Riya Bera from RG Kar Medical College have expressed frustration over the slow progress of the investigation. Rumalika criticized the lack of transparency and demanded immediate arrests of the perpetrators, while Riya called for a thorough investigation into the vandalism that occurred at the protest site and an apology from the Kolkata Police Commissioner for the assault on medical students.

The tragic incident occurred on August 9, when a trainee doctor was raped and murdered while on duty. The case has sparked nationwide outrage, with protests and strikes organized by medical professionals and students in various cities. In Delhi, junior doctors and students at RML Hospital participated in a silent protest, while the Indian Dental Association in Goa planned a protest march to demand justice and highlight issues of women's safety at workplaces.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has intervened, issuing notices to the state government and medical institutions regarding the August 17 strike. The court has demanded responses from the government and the Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, emphasizing that any strike action should not disrupt essential services.

In addition to the protests, a large mob, estimated between 5,000 and 7,000 people, attacked RG Kar Medical College on August 14, causing extensive damage and disrupting ongoing protests. Authorities have arrested 25 individuals in connection with the vandalism.

As the nationwide strike continues, doctors are reiterating their commitment to maintaining emergency care and ensuring that essential services are not compromised. The IMA has urged all medical professionals to participate in the strike to express solidarity and demand immediate and effective action against those responsible for the crime and subsequent vandalism.

Agencies