Kolkata doctor murder: Doctors across India go on 24-hour strike; medical services hit | Key demands and developments

Kolkata doctor murder: The nationwide protest called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in response to the horrific sexual assault and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run medical college in Kolkata has brought medical services to a standstill across the country. The 24-hour cease-work protest, which began early Saturday morning, has seen widespread participation from the medical fraternity, with doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers expressing their outrage and demanding swift justice.

The IMA, representing over 3 lakh doctors across India, has made it clear that their strike is not just a reaction to this tragic incident, but also a call to address the long-standing issues plaguing the healthcare sector. 

The doctor's nationwide strike has led to the suspension of all non-essential medical services across the country. Outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries have been cancelled, while emergency services and casualties remain operational. In cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Hyderabad, doctors have taken to the streets, holding protests and demanding accountability from the authorities.

In Delhi, a large protest march was held outside Nirman Bhavan, where demonstrators carried signs calling for justice and better security at medical institutions. Meanwhile, in Kolkata, the situation remains tense, with the police arresting 25 persons in connection with the vandalism at RG Kar Medical College.

Here are the five key demands put forth by the IMA

1. Overhaul of working and living conditions for resident doctors

One of the primary demands of the IMA is a comprehensive review and improvement of the working and living conditions of resident doctors. The victim, a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, was reportedly working a grueling 36-hour duty shift before her tragic death. The IMA has highlighted the need for a humane and safe work environment for resident doctors, including adequate rest periods, safe living quarters, and access to mental health support. The association has long been advocating for changes to the 36-hour shift, which they argue is not only inhumane but also dangerous for both doctors and patients. 

2. Enactment of a central law to prevent violence against healthcare workers

In light of the increasing incidents of violence against healthcare professionals, the IMA is demanding the implementation of a central law specifically aimed at protecting doctors and other medical staff. While amendments to the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 were made in 2023 to address violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, the IMA insists that these amendments should be incorporated into the proposed Hospital Protection Bill of 2019.

The IMA has suggested that an ordinance similar to the one enacted during the pandemic would be appropriate in this situation. Such a law, they argue, would provide a strong legal framework to prevent and penalise acts of violence against healthcare workers, ensuring their safety and security.

3. Thorough and timely investigation of the crime

The IMA has called for a meticulous and professional investigation into the sexual assault and murder of the trainee doctor, with a clear timeline for delivering justice. The association has expressed concerns over the transparency of the ongoing investigation, which was recently transferred from the Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

4. Declaration of hospitals as safe zones

The IMA has emphasised the need for hospitals to be declared as safe zones, with security protocols on a par with those at airports. This demand includes the mandatory deployment of security personnel, installation of CCTV cameras, and the establishment of strict security protocols to ensure the safety of both staff and patients.

5. Dignified compensation for the victim’s family

The IMA is seeking appropriate and dignified compensation for the bereaved family, commensurate with the cruelty inflicted upon the victim. The association believes that this is not only a matter of justice but also a gesture of respect and recognition for the immense loss suffered by the victim’s family.