Healthcare grinds to a halt as docs protest Kolkata rape-murder case

Anshita Mehra

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 17

Healthcare services in Delhi came to a standstill on Saturday as doctors from government, private and corporate hospitals participated in a nationwide 24-hour strike. The strike, called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), was in protest against the recent brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The strike commenced at 6 am.

The IMA, which represents over 4,00,000 medical professionals across the country, called for the strike after a week of protests by resident doctors, junior doctors and medical students. The protesters demanded immediate justice for the victim and stronger protection for healthcare workers.

‘Government needs to wake up’

We don’t want another incident like the one in West Bengal. The government must finalise the Central Protection Act. This is not about politics; it’s about justice and safety. — Dr Rohan, a protesting doctor

We won’t be able to work without the assurance of our safety. The government needs to wake up. How many more incidents will it take before they act? — Dr Aakansha, a protester

Protesting at Lady Hardinge Hospital, doctors emphasised the urgency of their demands. “Our primary demand is swift action to ensure justice for our colleague in West Bengal. We cannot stand by while such atrocities occur,” one of the protesters said.

Doctors also marched towards Jantar Mantar, despite resistance from the Delhi Police, who tried to prevent the demonstration from disrupting public life. The shutdown of non-essential services saw outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries suspended, with senior doctors joining the strike. This caused a significant disruption, particularly for low-income patients who travel long distances for care. However, some private hospitals managed to keep emergency and essential services running by hiring consultants.

The strike brought together various medical associations, including those representing surgeons, dentists, radiologists, and psychologists, all united in their call for a Central Protection Act to safeguard healthcare workers from violence. In response, the Centre announced plans to form a committee to explore measures for enhancing the safety of medical professionals.

Nurses also joined the protest, holding a sit-in to express their solidarity with the Kolkata victim.

Dr Rohan, a protesting doctor who participated in the march to Jantar Mantar, stated, “Our demands are clear. We don’t want another incident like the one in West Bengal. The government must finalise the Central Protection Act. This is not about politics; it’s about justice and safety.”

Echoing his concerns, Dr Aakansha added, “We won’t be able to work without the assurance of our safety. The government needs to wake up. How many more incidents will it take before they act?”

Dr SK Poddar, another doctor participating in the strike, said, “The tragedy in West Bengal is troubling. The main suspect is yet to be arrested, and there is no clear update on the investigation’s progress. This is unacceptable.”

Dr Jyoti Sharma highlighted the frustration within the medical community. “The IMA’s call for a 24-hour strike reflects our frustration with the lack of progress on our demands. The Central Protection Act, which was introduced in Parliament eight years ago, has been stalled. We are demanding justice for the victim and protection for all healthcare workers,” she said.

The strike underscores the growing concerns among medical professionals about their safety.