Kolkata Doctor Rape Murder Case: Indian Medical Association Announces 24-Hour Closure Of Non-Emergency Services From Aug 17

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) announced a nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency medical services for 24 hours, beginning at 6 a.m. on August 17, in protest against the alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The protest also responded to the subsequent acts of vandalism that occurred at the facility. This withdrawal will impact services provided by doctors of modern medicine across various sectors in the country, except for essential services such as casualty wards, which will remain operational.

The IMA's decision comes after the horrific incident in Kolkata, where the trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered, triggering widespread outrage within the medical community. The situation was further aggravated by acts of hooliganism directed towards protesting students on the eve of Independence Day. In response, the IMA has condemned the violence, stating that it reflects a broader issue of vulnerability faced by doctors, particularly women, in their profession. The IMA emphasized that the responsibility lies with the authorities to ensure the safety and security of healthcare professionals within hospital premises.

As part of the protest, out-patient departments (OPD) will remain closed, and elective surgeries will not be conducted during the 24-hour period. The decision to withdraw services was reached after a meeting with state branches of the IMA, highlighting the collective frustration and concern within the medical community over the incident.

The IMA also condemned the vandalism that occurred at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, where a group of nearly 40 people, posing as protestors, entered the hospital premises and caused significant damage. According to the Kolkata Police, these miscreants vandalized the Emergency Ward, nursing station, medicine store, and a section of the OPD. They also destroyed several CCTV cameras, overturned a police vehicle, and damaged several two-wheelers. The police had to resort to using tear gas to disperse the crowd, and some police personnel were injured during the confrontation.

In its statement, the IMA criticized the authorities for their negligence, which they believe allowed such a heinous crime to occur in the first place. They also expressed concern that the vandalism could result in the loss of crucial evidence during the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident. The IMA’s strong stance highlights the growing anger and frustration within the medical community, as they demand justice and better protection for healthcare professionals across the country.

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