Healthcare Workers Demand Justice: Nationwide Protests Erupt Over Kolkata Incident

Nationwide protests have erupted following the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The Indian Medical Association called for a 24-hour strike of non-emergency and OPD services, demanding a central law to protect healthcare workers. In response, the government's memorandum mandates filing an FIR within six hours of any violence against on-duty healthcare staff.

The government announced on Friday that heads of health institutions must file an FIR within six hours in case of violence against a healthcare worker on duty, amid increasing protests over the alleged rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a nationwide 24-hour withdrawal of non-emergency and OPD services, leading to widespread protests by medics demanding justice and a protective central law. In major hospitals across cities such as Delhi, services have been significantly disrupted. Meanwhile, the police have arrested 25 individuals in connection with violence at the Kolkata hospital.

The IMA has criticized the Health Ministry's decision to form a panel for a central law as insufficient and delayed, highlighting the existence of a 2019 draft Bill awaiting legislative action. Political tensions rise as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and opposition parties exchange accusations over the incident's handling and aftermath.