Kolkata Rape-Murder Case Sparks Nationwide Medical Strike; Criticism Intensifies Against WB Govt.

A 24-hour nationwide strike by doctors began today, Saturday, August 17, 2024, in protest of the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case. The strike was called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). According to the IMA, no regular OPD services or elective surgeries will be conducted during the strike. However, all essential services and emergency care for the injured will continue during the 24-hour protest. Along with announcing the strike, the IMA has also put forth five key demands, including significant improvements in the working and living conditions of resident doctors and the creation of a central law to address violence against healthcare professionals in the workplace. In protest of the incident, hundreds of doctors held a candlelight vigil in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, on Friday, August 16, 2024. Similarly, doctors and nursing staff at AIIMS Rishikesh organized a protest march. In Indore, there was also visible anger among doctors, with a candlelight march held by medical professionals and nursing staff on Friday night. Such protests are taking place in various states across the country. Meanwhile, Kolkata Police are facing criticism once again. Local doctors have accused the police of a slow investigation into the attack and vandalism that occurred during a protest at RG Kar Hospital. On August 14, violent attacks were reported against doctors protesting outside RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Amid these developments, the West Bengal government led by Mamata Banerjee is also facing increased criticism. Odisha's Health Minister, Mukesh Mahaling, condemned the incident, calling it a failure of the Mamata Banerjee government. Additionally, the BJP has been consistently questioning the actions of the Mamata Banerjee administration regarding this matter.