Non-Emergency Services Withdrawn Across India; CBI Probes the Rape and Murder Case at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a 24-hour nationwide strike in response to the shocking rape and murder of a woman doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The strike, which began at 6 am today, will continue until 6 am on Sunday, August 18. The IMA's strike involves the withdrawal of all non-emergency health services, including routine OPDs and elective surgeries, across sectors where modern medicine doctors are providing service. However, essential services and emergency care will continue to operate as usual.
This strike, which the IMA has termed a “movement for safety,” is a direct response to the brutal attack that has shaken the medical community across the country. IMA National President Dr. Asokan has highlighted the overwhelming support from doctors nationwide, who are standing united against this grave injustice. The IMA has also announced that they will write to the Prime Minister, urging immediate action to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals, particularly women.
In response to the growing concerns, the Union Health Ministry has agreed to form a committee that will recommend measures to enhance the safety of healthcare workers in India. This development follows a meeting between the ministry, the IMA, and other doctors’ associations.
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is actively investigating the case. The Calcutta High Court transferred the case to the CBI on August 13, after the victim's parents and several public interest litigations (PILs) demanded a court-monitored investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that the accused, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, is responsible for the heinous crime. The CBI has taken Roy into custody and has also summoned Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, for questioning.
As the investigation continues, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has publicly condemned the incident, accusing political rivals of spreading false information to obscure the truth. She has also led protests demanding the death penalty for the main accused.
In a related move, the West Bengal government has introduced a series of measures aimed at protecting women in the workplace, particularly in state-run hospitals where night shifts are common. These measures include the creation of safe zones monitored by CCTV, designated retiring rooms, and the development of a mobile app for women to communicate with local police in case of an emergency. Night police patrols will also be increased around medical colleges, hospitals, and women's hostels.
In another significant development, the Mamata Banerjee government has revoked its recent transfer order affecting 43 doctors and 190 female health assistants. This decision was made following protests from the United Doctors Front Association, which argued that the transfers were an attempt to suppress demands for justice and security. The state health secretary clarified that the decision to cancel the transfers was to avoid further disruption of medical services during this sensitive time.
As the nation watches closely, the tragic death of the doctor in Kolkata has sparked a critical conversation about the safety of healthcare professionals, with many calling for systemic changes to prevent such incidents in the future.
