Nationwide Medical Protests Erupt Over Kolkata Doctor's Tragic Death

The medical community in India is on strike after the shocking rape and murder of a female trainee-PG doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. AIIMS Delhi has seen a 90% drop in admissions and operations. Protests demand justice and call for Prime Minister Modi's intervention.

The medical community in India is reeling after the tragic assault and death of a female trainee-PG doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. As a result, doctors across the nation have launched strikes and protests. Notably, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has experienced a dramatic 90 percent decline in admissions, outpatient department (OPD) visits, and surgeries.

According to Dr Nirupam Madaan, Medical Superintendent of AIIMS Delhi, while emergency services and ICU operations continue unaffected, other critical medical services have seen significant reductions. This includes a 90 percent decrease in radiological and nuclear medicine investigations and an 80 percent reduction in laboratory services.

Adding to the unrest, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) declared a nationwide strike demanding justice for the victim. Doctors at AIIMS Delhi staged a protest march, holding posters and chanting 'We want justice.' Dr Asokan, IMA National President, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the crisis. The IMA has also declared that modern medicine doctors will withdraw their services for 24 hours, affecting all but emergency and casualty services from 6 am Saturday to 6 am Sunday, August 18, 2024.

The protests were triggered by the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor on August 9, prompting a nationwide response from the medical fraternity.