Kolkata Rape-Murder Case- IMA's Nationwide Protest, Centre A

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has initiated a significant 24-hour nationwide strike, which commenced on August 17 at 6 am and is scheduled to conclude on August 18 at 6 am. During this strike, non-emergency medical services will be suspended, including outpatient department (OPD) services. The IMA's decision to stage this protest stems from a recent tragic event involving the rape and murder of a resident doctor at a Kolkata hospital.

Background and Context

The strike has led to a suspension of elective medical services at hospitals in Delhi for the sixth consecutive day. Doctors in Delhi government hospitals have been actively participating in protests organized by various resident doctors' associations (RDA), including those from prominent institutions such as AIIMS, RML Hospital, and DDU Hospital. These protests have included marches and candlelight vigils throughout the city to express outrage and demand justice for the victim.

Also read: Kolkata doctor rape-murder case- Calcutta HC asks RG Kar Hospital ex-principal to go on long leave

Also read: Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case- Calcutta HC slams West Bengal govt, CBI to probe hospital vandalism

Kolkata Rape case

TOP UPDATES

1. Commencement and Duration of the IMA Strike

The IMA's 24-hour strike began precisely at 6 am on August 17. This action will continue until 6 am on August 18. The medical association clarified that while non-emergency services would be halted, essential services and emergency care would remain operational. This measure underscores the IMA’s commitment to ensuring that urgent medical needs are met despite the strike.

2. Statements from IMA National President

Dr. Asokan, the National President of the IMA, addressed the media regarding the strike and the broader implications of the tragic incident that prompted it. In his statement to news agency ANI, Dr. Asokan highlighted the overwhelming support from the medical community across the country. He emphasized the unity among doctors in their protest against the grave injustice that occurred at R G Kar Medical Hospital in Kolkata on August 9.

Dr. Asokan’s remarks included the following key points:

Unity and Response: “The response is overwhelming from every corner of the country. Doctors stand united against this injustice. The protest is there, taking care of the emergency services and the casualties… Across the sectors…doctors are in protest.”
International Attention and Safety Concerns: “We are getting international attention on this issue because this involves the issue of the safety of women… We are expecting a gesture from the government because this is a very basic question of safety, especially the safety of women. Not only of our doctors but of the entire working women class.”
Public Opinion and Government Response: “Public opinion in the country and the momentum that it has created, has become a movement for safety… Now it's for the government to respond. They will have the political will to respond now. Because what we have asked for is not something beyond them. We are asking for a very fundamental right, the right to life…”
Appeal to the Prime Minister: “We will be writing to the PM. The time is ripe for his intervention… Certainly, that (PM Modi mentioning women’s safety in his August 15 speech) is one aspect that shows that he is concerned. It will be very appropriate to write to the prime minister. IMA will be doing that…”
3. NCW Reports Absence of Security Guards During Trainee Doctor's Assault

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has issued a report detailing significant security lapses related to the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. According to the NCW's findings, there were no security guards present at the time of the incident.

NCW's Preliminary Findings on Security and Infrastructure Issues

To investigate the crime, the NCW established a two-member inquiry committee. This committee was tasked with reviewing the ongoing investigation into the assault and murder of the trainee doctor. The preliminary report, released late Friday night, highlights several critical issues:

Inadequate Security: The report reveals that there were no security personnel on duty at the time of the incident. Additionally, the existing security measures for on-call interns, doctors, and nurses during night shifts were deemed insufficient.
Poor Facilities: The hospital’s infrastructure was found lacking in several aspects. Basic amenities for female staff were notably inadequate, including poorly maintained washrooms, inadequate security protocols, and insufficient lighting.
Incomplete Investigation: The report notes that the investigation into the incident is incomplete. Notably, the questioning of the former Principal, who resigned following the event, has not been fully addressed. The NCW emphasizes the need for a thorough and expedited investigation.
Lack of Protection: The report also points out the insufficient safety measures for on-call female interns, nurses, and doctors, highlighting a significant gap in protection for these individuals.
4. Mahua Moitra Addresses Misreporting and Clarifies Facts

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP and spokesperson Mahua Moitra has responded to various claims and inaccuracies regarding the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital case. She provided clarifications on several issues:

Clarification on 'Bodily Fluids': Moitra addressed reports mentioning ‘150 grams of bodily fluids’. She explained that the autopsy report refers to the weight of the inner and outer genitalia, which totals approximately 150 grams. She emphasized that bodily fluids are measured in milliliters, and media outlets should ensure accurate reporting.
Crime Scene Tampering: Moitra refuted claims that the crime scene or place of occurrence (PO) had been tampered with. She confirmed that the location has been sealed and is accessible only to the police and CBI.
Construction Work Claims: Regarding allegations of construction work at the crime scene, Moitra clarified that the health secretary had discussed the necessity of new toilets with students. The construction work commenced at a different site based on students’ input, and the PO remained unaffected by these activities.
Inquiry Committee Composition: Moitra also addressed reports about an inquiry committee being set up to assess the victim’s mental health. She clarified that a five-member inquiry committee was established as part of standard operating procedures (SOP) to investigate potential lapses by the hospital, rather than focusing on the victim's condition.
5. CBI Team Reaches RG Kar Hospital

On Saturday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team arrived at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata to carry out an investigation. The visit is part of the ongoing inquiry into the rape and murder case involving a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor who was found deceased within the hospital premises.

6. Former RG Kar Principal Arrives At CBI Office

Sandip Ghosh, the former Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, arrived at the CBI office for questioning. This follows the tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at the hospital. His appearance at the CBI office is part of the broader investigation into the case.

7. Former RG Kar Medical College Principal Questioned Again

The CBI's investigation into the rape and murder case continues as doctors nationwide express solidarity against the crime. Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, was questioned once more by the CBI today. The investigation has focused on the recent renovation work at the hospital, which was reportedly conducted hastily. The CBI is keen to determine whether these renovations were intended to tamper with evidence as part of the ongoing probe.

8. In Gujarat, Doctor Booked for Brandishing Pistol During Protest in Amreli

In Amreli city, Gujarat, a doctor has been booked for allegedly displaying his licensed pistol during a protest. The incident occurred around 9:30 pm on Friday when medical students and doctors gathered at Rajkamal Chowk for a candle march in response to the rape and murder case in Kolkata. Dr. GJ Gajera, a private practitioner, allegedly brandished his licensed pistol while addressing the crowd. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Chirag Desai reported that Dr. Gajera’s actions were intended to intimidate the public and violated a district magistrate's notification concerning the handling of licensed weapons.

9. Health Ministry to Form Committee for Measures to Ensure Safety of Healthcare Professionals

The Union Health Ministry has announced plans to establish a committee aimed at recommending measures to enhance the safety of healthcare professionals. This decision follows a meeting with representatives from the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and other doctors' associations.

According to the official press release from the Union Health Ministry:

“The representatives of FORDA, IMA, and Resident Doctors’ Associations of Governmental Medical Colleges & Hospitals in Delhi met with the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in New Delhi following the recent incident involving a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. During this meeting, the associations voiced their concerns regarding the safety and security of healthcare workers at their workplaces. The Ministry assured the representatives that it is aware of the situation and sensitive to their concerns. Notably, 26 states have already enacted legislation to protect healthcare workers. In response to these concerns, the Ministry committed to forming a Committee that will gather suggestions from all stakeholders, including State Governments, to propose measures to safeguard healthcare professionals. The Ministry also urged the protesting doctors to return to their duties in the interest of public health, especially given the rising cases of Dengue and Malaria.”

10. Centre Reassures Protesting Doctors, Promises Action on Their Demands

In response to the escalating protests by healthcare professionals, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare made a significant announcement on Saturday. The Ministry assured the aggrieved doctors that a dedicated committee would be formed to address their security concerns. This assurance came after receiving numerous representations from organizations such as the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA), the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and various Resident Doctors’ Associations from government medical colleges and hospitals in Delhi.

The Ministry emphasized that the proposed committee would explore all possible measures to enhance the safety of healthcare professionals across the country. Representatives from all key stakeholders, including state governments, will be invited to contribute their suggestions to this committee. The Ministry also urged the protesting doctors to consider the larger public interest, particularly in light of the rising cases of dengue and malaria, and to return to their duties as soon as possible.

11. ABVP Workers Burn Effigy of Mamata Banerjee in Protest

On Saturday, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a demonstration in Lucknow, where they burned an effigy of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This protest was organized in response to the shocking incident involving the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical Hospital. The ABVP workers expressed their outrage over the tragic event, holding Mamata Banerjee accountable for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

12. Madhya Pradesh High Court Orders Striking Doctors to Resume Work

In Madhya Pradesh, the High Court took decisive action on Saturday regarding the ongoing doctors' strike. A division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Raj Mohan Singh, issued a directive ordering the striking doctors to withdraw their protest and immediately return to work. This ruling was made during the hearing of a petition filed by Anshul Tiwari, a resident of Narsinghpur district, who challenged the legality of the strike.

The petitioner’s legal representatives, senior advocate Sanjay Agrawal and advocate Anju Agrawal, conveyed the court’s orders, stating that the doctors must submit their grievances through proper legal channels. The court’s detailed order is expected to be released soon.

This development follows the High Court's earlier decision on Friday, where notices were issued to the state government and other relevant parties, demanding a response within 24 hours regarding the doctors' strike. The strike had been initiated on August 17 to protest the alleged rape and murder of a female medic at a Kolkata hospital, as well as the subsequent vandalism at the medical facility.

Kolkata Rape case

Hospitals on Protest/Strike

1. OPDs in Punjab, Chandigarh to Remain Shut Today, Private Doctors Join the Strike

The PGI Chandigarh Faculty Association has declared that all outpatient department (OPD) services at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) will be closed on August 17. However, emergency and critical care services will remain operational. This strike is a show of solidarity with the ongoing protests in Kolkata, where doctors are agitating against the recent rape and murder of a junior doctor at the government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal. As a result, the OPDs in all government hospitals across Punjab are expected to be affected.

Additionally, sources indicate that private practitioners, who typically see patients in their private chambers, will not be available on Saturday. Private hospitals are expected to limit their services to emergency cases only, further exacerbating the situation.

2. Doctors' Strike in the National Capital

The nationwide strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has garnered participation from all major private hospitals in the national capital, including Apollo, Fortis, and Gangaram hospitals, alongside government hospitals. As part of this strike, all OPDs will remain closed, with only emergency services continuing to be available.

3. Doctors Protest in Assam

In Assam, doctors took to the streets in protest, with a significant rally held in Sivasagar yesterday. The protests have spread across multiple hospitals in the state, including Dibrugarh's Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), Jorhat Medical College and Hospital, and Rupnath Brahma Civil Hospital in Kokrajhar.

4. Doctors Protest in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, doctors organized a candlelight vigil in Chengalpattu last night as part of their protest against the heinous crime in Kolkata.

5. Doctors Hold Protest in Gujarat

In Gujarat, resident doctors at Rajkot Civil Hospital staged a protest to express their outrage over the rape and murder of the trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

6. Doctors Protest in Jaipur

In Rajasthan's Jaipur, junior doctors and students from SMS Medical College and Hospital organized a protest against the same incident, voicing their demands for justice.

7. Doctors Protesting in Jharkhand

In Jharkhand, members of the IMA, Jharkhand State Health Association (JHSA), RDA-CIP, and the Association of Healthcare Providers have planned a march in Ranchi later in the day. Meanwhile, junior doctors at RIMS-Ranchi have been on strike since August 13 to protest the incident in Kolkata. Their protest has gained momentum as doctors from five other medical colleges in the state joined the movement on Friday.

8. Doctors in Karnataka Hold Protest Seeking Justice for Kolkata Rape-Murder Victim

The nationwide protest has also reached Karnataka, where members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) have joined in, demanding justice for the 31-year-old trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered in Kolkata. In several parts of the state, doctors are staging protest marches to voice their outrage.

In Bengaluru, a large-scale agitation is taking place at the IMA office in Chamarajpet, with over 1,000 doctors participating. The IMA Karnataka unit president, Srinivasa S, stated that all IMA branches across the state would remain shut, with no OPD services available. The Karnataka government, in response, has suspended the leave of medical officers and surgeons in government hospitals to ensure the availability of medical services.

Srinivasa S emphasized that the doctors' demands are clear: justice for the young female doctor who was brutally attacked and no political involvement in the matter. He stressed the need for a central law to safeguard doctors, as they work in sensitive and high-risk environments. Additionally, the doctors are demanding the establishment of safe zones and restrooms in hospitals for doctors working long hours, along with the installation of a sufficient number of CCTV cameras inside every hospital.

9. Doctors at UCMS, GTBH in Delhi to Continue Their Strike

The Resident Doctors' Association at UCMS (University College of Medical Sciences) and GTBH (Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital) in Delhi have announced that their strike will continue on Saturday. They have scheduled a general body meeting at 9:30 AM to discuss their next steps. As part of the strike, OPD, elective services, and laboratory services will be halted.

10. AIIMS Delhi Doctors Hold Protest

Doctors and faculty members at AIIMS Delhi staged a protest rally on Saturday to condemn the rape and murder incident in Kolkata.

11. Resident Doctors Protest in Goa

Resident doctors in Goa have joined the nationwide protest, expressing their anger over the tragic incident in Kolkata. The president of IMA Goa, Dr. Sandesh Chodankar, confirmed that all members of the association began their protest at 6 AM on Saturday, and it will continue for 24 hours. Despite the strike, emergency services in private hospitals will remain unaffected, as doctors assigned to emergency and casualty units have not joined the protest.

12. Doctors Hold Protest in Bihar

In Bihar's Gaya, junior doctors from ANMMCH (Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital) held a candlelight march yesterday, demanding justice for the trainee doctor who was a victim of the heinous crime.

13. AIIMS-Patna Beefs Up Security

In light of the tragic incident in Kolkata, AIIMS-Patna has significantly enhanced its security measures. The Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS-Patna, Dr. Gopal Krushna Pal, announced on Saturday that additional female security guards would be deployed, and 150 more CCTV cameras would be installed on the campus.

Dr. Pal emphasized that while AIIMS-Patna already had a robust security system, the recent events necessitated further improvements to ensure the safety of female doctors, students, and patients. This includes the deployment of more security personnel, increased CCTV surveillance, and enhanced lighting in isolated areas of the campus.

Kolkata Rape case

Impact of the Protest

1. OPD Services in Kolkata Hospitals Disrupted as Doctors Continue Their Protest

Healthcare services at outpatient departments (OPDs) in both government and private hospitals across West Bengal have been significantly disrupted. This disruption is due to the ongoing protests by doctors in response to the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the prestigious state-run RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. The protests have resulted in reduced availability of essential medical services, affecting patients who rely on these facilities for routine check-ups and treatments.

Moreover, several state-run hospitals, including SSKM Hospital, Sambhunath Pandit Hospital, and Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, have also reported a decline in non-essential healthcare services. The situation is similar in private healthcare institutions across the state, where the protests have led to delays and cancellations of appointments, further exacerbating the strain on the healthcare system.

2. Patient Services Hampered at Siliguri District Hospital

Patient services at Siliguri District Hospital have been severely impacted by a 24-hour nationwide strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The strike, in solidarity with the protests in Kolkata, has led to the temporary suspension of medical services, leaving many patients in a difficult situation.

One patient, who had come to the hospital for a routine check-up, expressed frustration after being informed that they would need to return on Tuesday due to the strike. The patient voiced a common concern among those affected, stating, "We want hospitals to be operational soon so that we can get treatment." The disruption in services has created uncertainty and inconvenience for those seeking medical attention.

3. Healthcare Services Disrupted in Odisha

Healthcare services across Odisha were also disrupted on Saturday as doctors in the state joined the nationwide protest. The protest, which was organized in response to the rape and murder of a fellow doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, saw approximately 6,000 members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) participating.

As a result of the protest, outpatient departments, elective surgeries, and laboratory services in both government and private hospitals were brought to a standstill. The 24-hour protest, which is scheduled to continue until 6 am on Sunday, has left patients without access to essential healthcare services.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies