Resident doctors at major government hospitals in Delhi have announced an indefinite suspension of all elective services starting Monday. This decision comes in response to the brutal rape and murder of a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata. The doctors are demanding immediate action in the case and stronger protection for healthcare workers across the country.
Immediate Action and Protection Demanded
The President of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), Dr. Aviral Mathur, emphasized the urgent need for safety measures for doctors. “Safety of doctors must be prioritized to allow them to continue their crucial work without fear. We can no longer stand by while our safety is compromised. The recent horrific rape and murder of a fellow doctor on hospital premises is the final straw,” he stated. Dr. Mathur further announced, “We are initiating an indefinite strike, in coordination with other doctor associations of the national capital, from Monday to demand immediate action and protection for all healthcare workers. Our ability to care for patients hinges on our own safety being ensured.”
Services to Be Suspended Across Major Hospitals
Dr. Bharani Kumar, President of the Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDA) at Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, confirmed the decision to suspend elective services. “We have decided to shut down elective services, including OPD, elective surgeries, and ward duties starting Monday. We are deeply grieved by this heinous crime and demand an immediate, transparent investigation with severe punishment for those responsible,” he said. He also called for the swift implementation of the ‘Central Protection Act for Doctors’ and increased security measures in hospitals, including the installation of CCTV cameras in high-risk areas. “Today it happened in Bengal, tomorrow it could be Delhi, or any other part of the nation,” Dr. Kumar added.
Nationwide Solidarity Among Doctors
Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) from other prominent hospitals, including Maulana Azad Medical College, RML Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, and GTB Hospital, have also announced their participation in the suspension of elective services. This widespread response underscores the collective grief and anger within the medical community.
Nationwide Strike Begins August 12
The body of the 32-year-old woman was discovered on Thursday night in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital. On Saturday, Kolkata Police arrested the accused under Sections 64 (rape) and 103 (murder) of the BNS and presented him before Sealdah court, which remanded him in police custody until August 23.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya RDA President Dr. Vipin K Madhogarhia expressed strong support for the strike. “We extend our full support in the pursuit of justice for our fellow doctor in the face of this heinous crime. Together, we stand united in this hour of need… As a mark of solidarity with our colleagues at RG Kar, we announce a nationwide suspension of elective services in hospitals starting August 12. This decision is not made lightly but is necessary to ensure that our voices are heard and that the demands for justice and safety are addressed without further delay,” he stated.
On Saturday, several resident doctors’ associations held a candlelight march, demanding an immediate and thorough investigation, as well as a CBI inquiry into the incident.