The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a nationwide strike on August 17, starting at 6 am and ending on August 18 at 6 am. General Secretary Anil Kumar J Nayak announced that all doctors will join the strike, with only emergency and casualty services remaining available. This action follows widespread outrage over the rape and murder of a second-year trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College.
Nayak emphasized that the strike is a response to inadequate safety measures for doctors. He mentioned that recent discussions with Union Health Minister JP Nadda were positive, with the Ministry of Health and the National Medical Commission (NMC) addressing security concerns and CCTV management.
Despite these measures, the IMA demands better security for doctors, particularly women, noting that over 60% of doctors are women.
The IMA has also urged the National Commission for Women to visit Kolkata, citing poor treatment of the victim’s family by hospital administration. Although the IMA has not yet met with the Chief Minister, they have presented their demands for improved safety and security. The strike is seen as a critical moment for unity among doctors nationwide.
Doctors 24-Hour Nationwide Strike
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide hospital shutdown for 24 hours, starting at 6 am on Saturday. This action follows widespread outrage over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a Kolkata hospital.
The IMA is demanding that hospitals be designated as safe zones and that policies be introduced to prevent violence against doctors and healthcare facilities. The tragic incident in Kolkata has led to nationwide protests and a doctors’ strike. The IMA has also highlighted the mob violence that occurred at RG Kar Hospital, where the trainee doctor was murdered.
The IMA’s statement emphasizes the dual nature of violence in hospitals: the severe crime against women due to inadequate safety measures and the unchecked violence resulting from poor security protocols. “Both the medical community and the nation are suffering,” the association said.
During the strike, all non-essential medical services will be suspended, but essential services and emergency wards will remain operational.
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What Are Demands of IMA 24 Hour Strike?
The letter outlines five key demands from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), primarily focused on enhancing the safety of medical professionals. The demands include:
- Policy Changes: Implementing a Central Act that updates the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 with the 2023 amendments into the draft Hospital Protection Bill of 2019, aiming to bolster existing state laws.
- Improved Security Measures: Enhancing security for medical professionals, including installing CCTV cameras, increasing security personnel, and providing safe resting areas for staff working long shifts.
- Swift Investigation: Conducting a fast and thorough investigation into the Kolkata trainee doctor’s death.
- Compensation: Providing financial compensation to the deceased doctor’s family.
The IMA is calling for these changes to address the rising violence against healthcare workers and to ensure their safety in the workplace.
Why Are Doctors Going on Strike?
Doctors across the country are striking following the horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital. The strike also protests a mob attack and vandalism that occurred at the hospital early Thursday morning.
The trainee doctor was tragically discovered dead in a seminar hall, with an autopsy confirming she was raped. This shocking case has ignited outrage and led to widespread protests by students and medical professionals.
In response to this violence against doctors and hospitals, the Indian Medical Association has announced a 24-hour withdrawal of medical services as a protest measure.
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Doctors 24-Hour Nationwide Strike FAQs
Q.1. Why is the IMA calling for a strike?
Ans. The IMA is striking in response to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata and recent mob violence at the hospital.
Q.2. When will the doctors’ strike take place?
Ans. The nationwide strike will begin at 6 am on August 17 and end at 6 am on August 18.
Q.3. Which services will be affected by the strike?
Ans. Non-essential medical services will be suspended during the strike, but emergency and casualty services will remain operational.
Q.4. What are the key demands of the IMA?
Ans. The IMA demands include improved security measures, a swift investigation into the Kolkata case, financial compensation for the victim’s family, and policy changes to protect doctors.
Q.5. Has the IMA met with government officials regarding their demands?
Ans. The IMA has discussed safety concerns with Union Health Minister JP Nadda but has not yet met with the Chief Minister. They are urging the National Commission for Women to address the issue.
