Medical Fraternity in Goa Protests Against Kolkata Trainee Doctor's Murder

Doctors at Goa Medical College and Hospital initiated a daylong strike to protest the rape and murder of a woman post-graduate trainee doctor in Kolkata. The strike, which also has the backing of various medical associations, aims to press for a fair investigation into the incident.

Doctors at the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital commenced a daylong strike on Friday to protest the brutal rape and murder of a woman post-graduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

In parallel, the Goa unit of the Indian Medical Association announced a strike from 6 am on Saturday. The agitation at GMCH began outside the facility gates, with participants boycotting outpatient department (OPD) services.

''Our strike began at 1pm today and will continue until Saturday evening. The decision on whether to continue or call off the strike will be made after consulting our national counterparts. We hope for a fair probe into the murder of our colleague in Kolkata,'' stated a representative from the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD).

GMCH Dean Dr. Shivanand Bandekar assured that emergency services would remain unaffected as senior consultants and heads of departments (HODs) have been assigned to cover duties.

''Follow-up OPD appointments will proceed as emergency OPD cases. The emergency ward will be fully operational to ensure patient lives are saved,'' Bandekar confirmed.

Bandekar also noted that the GMCH management and state health minister Vishwajit Rane comprehend the sentiments of the protesting doctors.

Indian Medical Association Goa branch president Dr. Sandesh Chodankar announced that all doctors would strike from 6 am on Saturday till 6 am on Sunday. The Indian Dental Association, Goa Private Doctors Association, Goa Ayurvedic Doctors Association, Chemist and Druggist Association, and Goa Nursing Association have expressed their support for the strike.