The nationwide strike led by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in response to the rape and murder of female doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital came to a close after 24 hours. The strike, which began at 6 am on Saturday, aimed to raise awareness about the safety of healthcare professionals across India. The IMA’s decision to protest reflects the growing concerns within the medical community regarding the protection of their members, who are increasingly vulnerable to violence in the workplace.
Following the rape and murder of female doctor, everyone is demanding safety measures for female professionals. Thus, in the wake of the protests, the Union Health Ministry announced the formation of a committee dedicated to recommending safety measures for healthcare professionals. This decision was made after a meeting with the IMA and other doctors’ associations, highlighting the government’s recognition of the issue’s urgency. The committee’s recommendations are expected to address the immediate and long-term safety concerns faced by doctors and other healthcare workers, ensuring that they can perform their duties without fear of harm.
The IMA took their concerns directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, writing a letter that outlined five key demands. These demands include enhanced security at hospitals, more manageable shift timings, a thorough investigation into the Kolkata case, and compensation for the victim’s family. Dr. R V Asokan, the National President of the IMA, described the movement as one of unity and resolve, with doctors across the country standing together against the injustice faced by their colleague. Hence, nationwide protests over the rape and murder of female doctor focus on ensuring safety for women professionals.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently probing the rape and murder case after it was transferred from the Kolkata Police by the Calcutta High Court on August 13. The investigation has revealed that the wife of the accused, Sanjay Roy, had previously lodged a complaint at the Khalighat police station. On Saturday, the CBI team continued to interrogate the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, to determine whether there was any attempt to tamper with evidence at the crime scene.
In a related incident, the vandalism that occurred on August 14 has led to the identification and arrest of several individuals, including members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and a few women. Additionally, key figures from the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), including West Bengal secretary Minakshi Mukherjee, along with other state-level youth and student leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), have been summoned for questioning in connection with the case. These developments indicate the complex nature of the investigation and the broader implications for law and order in the region.
