Doctors In Northeast Join Nationwide Strike Over Kolkata Rape and Murder Horror

Doctors across the Northeastern region of India have halted out-patient department (OPD) services and non-essential services as part of a nationwide strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital today.

The IMA had called for a nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency health services for 24 hours that began at 6 am today.

Manipur

Doctors at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal (RIMS) and Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Manipur joined the nationwide protests.

Except for emergency, essential and casualty services, all services in Government and Private hospitals in the state have been closed for 24 hours.

Tripura

In a powerful show of solidarity and outrage, doctors across Tripura, under the banner of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Tripura State Branch, suspended all outdoor medical activities.

In Agartala, doctors from various hospitals participated in the protest, emphasizing the need for better security measures in medical institutions to protect healthcare professionals.

The protest was marked by a complete shutdown of outpatient services as doctors gathered in large numbers, holding placards and expressing their demands for justice and improved safety standards within hospitals.

Meghalaya

Doctors across Meghalaya also joined the nationwide protest demanding justice for the victim.

The doctors staged protests at Woodland Hospital, Nazarath Hospital, Bethany Hospital, and Supercare Hospital in Shillong, NEIGRIHMS and other places demanding exemplary punishment for the culprits and calling for a central law to ensure the safety of medical professionals.

The doctors protested wearing black badges and carrying banners and placards emblazoned with notes such as ” Stop Violence”, “No Mercy to Rapist”, “No more shielding of rape”, “We want justice” etc.

Assam

In Assam also, healthcare facilities have been hit hard, with out-patient services and non-essential medical activities coming to a near standstill as doctors across the state expressed solidarity with the nationwide protest.

Doctors of the Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) in Assam’s Cachar district and Tezpur Medical College and Hospital said that they will not resume work until justice is served to the 31-year-old rape victim.

Protesting doctors at SMCH voiced their concerns and demanded enhanced safety and security measures for medical professionals. Despite the ongoing strike, they assured that patient care remains a priority, with doctors continuing to provide necessary services to those already admitted.

Arunachal Pradesh

IMA’s Arunachal state Branch too joined the nationwide protest by closing non-emergency medical services.

This action resulted in the suspension of outpatient departments (OPD) in several locations around the state, including the Capital Complex, Pasighat, Aalo, and several minor basic health centers.

Despite the suspension of non-emergency services, emergency operations in the state have continued without disruption.

Dr. Kesang Wangdi Thongdok, President of the IMA Arunachal State Branch, assured the public that patient care remained a top priority during the 24-hour strike.

Sikkim

Staff members of the Gyalshing District Hospital in Sikkim also condemn the brutal rape and murder of the trainee doctor and demanded immediate strict punishment for the culprits and also called for robust laws to ensure workplace safety for healthcare workers and protection against crimes against women.

The nationwide protests are being held after the body of the post-graduate trainee was found on August 9, 2024.

The incident has sparked outrage across the medical community and nationwide protests are underway.

Doctors across the country have refused to return to work, except for emergency procedures.

So far, Kolkata Police have arrested 25 people in connection with the heinous crime.

Also Read: Kolkata Doctor Rape and Murder: Doctors in Meghalaya Demand Exemplary Punishment for Culprits