Nationwide Doctors' Strike Begins, Protests Over Kolkata Rape-Murder Case, Demands for Safety Reforms

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.