India held its breath on Saturday (August 17) as doctors across in many parts of the country began strike to demand justice in rape-murder case in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a nationwide strike from 6 am on Saturday (August 17) to 6 am on Sunday (August 18). It is expected to be the biggest strike in over a decade.
While essential medical services like Intensive Care Unit, casualty wards and other emergency function, the strike is likely to hit OPD (outpatient), elective surgeries and more across departments in the country’s hospitals.
The IMA made announcement of the nationwide strike on Friday.
“All IMA members will observe strike tomorrow, only Emergency & Casualty services will be available. Three days ago, we spoke to Union Health Minister JP Nadda (on the law to curb attacks against doctors), and he was very positive. NMC also has issued circulars over the security and management of CCTV cameras. We say that we will do duty if there is security. Today, there are over 60% women doctors,” said Anil Kumar J Nayak, the general secretary of the IMA.
“We met the victim’s family, who were treated poorly by the hospital administration. We urge the National Commission for Women to visit Kolkata. Although we haven’t been able to meet the Chief Minister, we’ve presented our demands, which include safety and security for women. All junior and resident doctors across the country are on strike. This is a crucial moment for unity; it’s a do-or-die situation.” he added.
As of 9:30 am on Saturday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda had not made an appeal to striking doctor through his official handle on social media platform X.
