Medical Fraternity Stands United: Prolonged Strike Following Trainee Doctor's Tragic Demise

Several city hospitals continued a strike protesting the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. Despite the Federation of Resident Doctors' Association calling off its strike, other medical institutions persisted, advocating for better protection policies and systemic changes.

Several city hospitals, including AIIMS and Safdarjung, continued their strike on Wednesday to protest against the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata.

The strike, led by Resident Doctors' Associations of AIIMS, VMMC, Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia, and Indira Gandhi Hospital, has resulted in the shutdown of Outpatient Departments (OPDs), Operating Theaters (OTs), and wards for the third consecutive day.

In a show of solidarity, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) announced after a nationwide meeting that it will support the ongoing protests. However, the Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) called off its strike following discussions with Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Tuesday night.

FORDA emphasized that the decision was made to safeguard patients' welfare. The meeting led to the health minister's commitment to forming a committee with FORDA's involvement to expedite the Central Protection Act within 15 days.

The protests were triggered by the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College on August 8. The brutal incident took place while the 32-year-old physician was on duty, with her semi-naked body discovered in a seminar hall.

Doctors at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital and Maulana Azad Medical College have also ended their strike, following assurances from the health ministry.

(With inputs from agencies.)