The Indian Medical Association's (IMA) West Bengal unit has pledged unwavering support for the striking doctors in the state, despite the Supreme Court’s order directing them to return to work by 5 pm on Tuesday. The IMA’s declaration comes amid ongoing protests over the brutal murder and rape of a postgraduate medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Meanwhile, Junior doctors have also announced to continue 'cease work' to protest Kolkata medic's rape-murder, according to news agency PTI.
In a press release issued today, the IMA expressed deep dismay at both the Supreme Court's proceedings and the handling of the case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The association highlighted its dissatisfaction with the court’s decision, which includes the directive for doctors to resume their duties immediately and assurances that no adverse action will be taken if they comply.
The IMA's press release stated, "We were eagerly waiting for the Supreme Court hearing today regarding the brutal murder and rape of an on-duty doctor at RG Kar Medical College. We were expecting a positive outcome given the gravity of the offence. However, we are totally disheartened by the proceedings of the court and CBI."
The release continued, "It was shocking to note that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has asked the junior doctors, who are the forerunners of this protest, to return to work by 5 pm tomorrow. We are further disheartened to learn that junior doctors have been unfairly portrayed as responsible for a few deaths in hospitals, which is totally false. No hospital service has been completely hampered due to the movement of the junior doctors."
The IMA criticised the portrayal of junior doctors as responsible for any hospital deaths during the strike, labelling these claims as unfounded. The association defended the protesting doctors, asserting that their demonstration is a vital response to the severe crime and ongoing issues within the healthcare system.
The IMA defended the protesting doctors, stating, "Our junior colleagues are protesting not only for speedy and fair justice for the heinous crime against Abhaya but also against the health syndicate to ensure such crimes and corruption do not occur in the future."
The IMA stressed that their protest is not merely about the individual case but about broader systemic issues and corruption that must be addressed to prevent future incidents.
"IMA promises to stand by the junior doctors unconditionally in all their future movements," stated the release. "We vow to the entire medical fraternity and the common people that the protest will not die down. In the coming days, it will even become stronger, and we will leave no stone unturned until justice is achieved."
Kolkata Junior Doctors To Hold Rally At Swasthya Bhavan On Tuesday
Striking medical professionals in Kolkata have demanded the resignation of the state’s Health Secretary and the Director of Health Education (DHE), following the RG Kar case. The trainee's body was discovered with injury marks in a seminar room at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. She was allegedly raped and killed while on duty, sparking widespread outrage and protests across the nation.
The protesting doctors, who have been on strike for nearly a month, announced plans to hold a rally at Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the health department in Salt Lake, on Tuesday at noon. A representative from the doctors' governing body told PTI, "Our demands remain unmet and justice has not been served to the victim. We will continue our agitation and cease work until the Health Secretary and DHE resign."
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‘Protest Can't Be At Cost Of Duty’: Supreme Court Tells Doctors Protesting Over RG Kar Case
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has directed the protesting doctors to return to their duties immediately and assured that no adverse action will be taken if they comply. The court's decision emphasised that "any protest cannot be at the cost of duty" and urged the doctors to resume their medical responsibilities while ensuring their safety.
In the court proceedings, Chief Justice Chandrachud stated, "The young doctors must now return and attend to the patients. We know what is happening on the ground. First, return to work. The district collectors and superintendents of police will ensure your safety."
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, informed the court of the severe impact of the strike, citing that 23 individuals have died due to disruptions in healthcare services. Sibal argued, "The public is suffering, and healthcare has been in total disarray in the state due to the protests."