Doc’s rape-murder: Government hospitals to halt elective services over Kolkata horror

Anshita Mehra

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 11

In response to the alleged rape and murder of a resident doctor in Kolkata, major government hospitals across Delhi will indefinitely suspend all elective services starting Monday. The strike is being organised to demand immediate action, enhanced protection for healthcare workers and a transparent investigation into the horrific incident.

The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) has called for the strike following the tragic death of a 32-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The victim’s semi-naked body was discovered in a seminar hall at the government-run hospital on Thursday night. The shocking incident has led to widespread outrage and demands for justice within the medical community.

‘Shocked medical fraternity’

This horrific act has shocked and devastated the entire medical fraternity. It highlights an urgent need for us to stand together in support of the affected residents and demand justice. —Dr Sarada Prasad Sahoo, RDA president at LHMC

Dr Aviral Mathur, president of FORDA, emphasised the severity of the situation, stating, “We can no longer stand by while our safety is compromised. The recent horrific rape and murder of a fellow doctor on the hospital premises is the final straw. We are starting an indefinite strike to demand immediate action and protection for all healthcare workers.”

The suspension of services follows a letter from FORDA to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, outlining several critical demands. The letter calls for the expeditious acceptance and action on the demands of the residents of RG Kar Medical College, an assurance against police brutality during protests, swift justice for the deceased doctor and the implementation of mandatory security measures for healthcare workers in all hospitals. It also requests the formation of an expert committee to expedite the ratification of the Central Healthcare Protection Act.

Several government hospitals in Delhi, including Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), RML Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences and GTB Hospital, have announced the suspension of their outpatient departments (OPDs), operation theatres (OTs) and ward duties in response to the call from FORDA.

Dr Bharani Kumar, president of the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, said, “We are deeply grieved by this heinous crime and demand an immediate, transparent investigation with severe punishment for those responsible. The government must swiftly implement the ‘Central Protection Act for Doctors’ and enhance security measures across hospitals nationwide.”

Dr Vipin K Madhogarhia, president of the RDA at DDU Hospital, added, “We extend our full support in the pursuit of justice for our fellow doctor in the face of this heinous crime. Together, we stand united in this hour of need.”