In response to the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, resident doctors across India have staged widespread protests and strikes. The demonstrations, which began on August 12 and continued through August 13, have significantly impacted outpatient services and non-emergency surgeries at government hospitals nationwide.
The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Associations (FORDA) has called for an indefinite strike, with a strong message that the strike will persist until justice is served and their demands are met. During this period, outpatient departments, operation theatres, and ward duties are largely suspended, though emergency services remain operational.
In Delhi, resident doctors from prominent institutions like AIIMS, RML Hospital, and Safdarjung Hospital initiated the strike on Monday, leading to disruptions for patients seeking non-emergency consultations. Similarly, in West Bengal, junior doctors, interns, and postgraduate trainees at government medical establishments have vowed to continue their protests until the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The tragic death of the trainee, whose body was discovered in a seminar hall at RG Kar Hospital last week, has ignited widespread outrage. While a civic volunteer has been arrested in connection with the case, the broader issues of safety and justice for medical professionals have become central to the protests.
In Maharashtra, resident doctors have also joined the nationwide strike, halting all elective services while maintaining emergency care. In solidarity, the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of AIIMS Delhi has suspended elective and non-essential services.
FORDA’s demands include the immediate removal of the RG Kar Medical College principal, a CBI inquiry, a fast-track court trial, and the implementation of the Central Protection Act. The organization has emphasized that the strike will not cease until these demands are met.
Protests have extended to several other regions. In Rajasthan, the Jaipur Association of Resident Doctors has suspended non-essential services, while in Uttar Pradesh, protests at King George’s Medical University and other institutions have called for a prompt investigation. Chandigarh’s junior doctors and those in Jammu and Lucknow have similarly expressed their solidarity through strikes and peaceful rallies.
In Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal saw a candlelight vigil, and in Bengaluru, doctors from NIMHANS demanded justice and an impartial investigation. Protests have also been held in Patna, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and other cities.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and its regional chapters have strongly condemned the assault and called for stringent action against the culprits. The protests reflect a broader concern over the safety of medical professionals and the need for a robust response to such violent crimes.