Nationwide Doctor's Strike Demands Justice for Rape and Murder Victim

FORDA has initiated a nationwide strike, advocating for justice for a trainee-doctor raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata. Doctors demand a CBI inquiry, a fast-track court, and implementation of the Central Protection Act in all hospitals.

The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) initiated a nationwide strike on Monday, urging justice for a trainee-doctor raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. Physicians gathered outside major hospitals, such as Lok Nayak Hospital and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi, to vocalize their demands.

FORDA General Secretary, Sarvesh Pandey, reported to ANI that approximately 3 lakh doctors across the country have joined the protest. He emphasized that the strike would persist until their demands were met through a written assurance. 'We will continue our strike until we get a written assurance that our demands will be fulfilled,' Pandey stated.

The protesting doctors are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, the establishment of a fast-track court, and the implementation of the Central Protection Act across all hospitals. FORDA President, Dr Aviral Mathur, expressed, 'Everyone should condemn this incident. We will end our strike when our demands are addressed as we don't want patients to suffer. Emergency services remain operational for patient convenience.'

One protesting doctor at DR Ram Manohar Lohia articulated their main demands: a CBI-led fast-track investigation, dismissal of RG Kar's insensitive authorities, and nationwide implementation of the Central Protection Act. Earlier, RG Kar Medical College principal, Prof. (Dr.) Sandip Ghosh, resigned amidst the controversy, stating, 'I am getting defamed on social media... The deceased doctor was like my daughter.'

The tragic incident on August 9 has sparked outrage and persistent demands for justice. Kolkata Police Headquarters, Lalbazar, has summoned three junior doctors and one house staff that were on duty the night of the incident, according to sources.