Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: IMA Begin 24-Hour Nationwide Strike

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a nationwide halt of non-emergency medical services for 24 hours, starting at 6 am on Saturday, August 17. This action is in protest against the horrific rape and murder of a trainee female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

On Friday, the IMA put forth five demands, including a thorough overhaul of the working and living conditions of resident doctors and a central law to check violence against healthcare professionals at workplaces.

All essential services will be maintained and casualties will be manned, the IMA said in a statement. The withdrawal is across all sectors, wherever modern medicine doctors are providing service, the top body of doctors said.

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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Demands Death Penalty for Accused

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said it’s a “big crime” and the accused should hanged to death. She blamed “Bam [Left] and Ram [BJP]” for RG Kar vandalism on Wednesday night. Her statement came after vandalism and rampage incidents were reported outside RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Meanwhile, doctors and nurses continue to protest in Kolkata over the incident. Protests were also help outside AIIMS Delhi.

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IMA’s Five Demands Following Trainee Doctor’s Tragic Death

1. Improvement in Working and Living Conditions: The IMA has called for a comprehensive review and enhancement of the working conditions for resident doctors, including addressing long duty shifts and inadequate rest facilities, like those experienced by the victim at RG Kar hospital.
2. Strengthening Hospital Protection Legislation: The IMA advocates for a central act that integrates the recent amendments to the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 into the proposed Hospital Protection Bill of 2019. They also suggest considering an ordinance similar to the one used during the Covid-19 pandemic to reinforce legislation across all 25 states.
3. Thorough Investigation and Justice: The association demands a detailed and professional investigation of the crime, with a clear timeline for justice, as well as accountability for those responsible for the vandalism at RG Kar hospital on August 14.
4. Enhanced Hospital Security Measures: The IMA insists that hospital security should be as stringent as airport protocols. They propose that hospitals be designated as safe zones with required security measures, including CCTV cameras and trained security personnel.
5. Dignified Compensation for the Victim’s Family: The IMA seeks appropriate and respectful compensation for the victim’s family, reflecting the severity of the crime and the suffering inflicted.

Also Read: IMA Announces Nationwide Strike by Doctors on August 17