Thiruvananthapuram: Doctors Protest Against Kolkata Medical Student's Murder, Services to Be Affected
 

Thiruvananthapuram: In response to the tragic rape and murder of a medical student in Kolkata, doctors across Kerala have announced a protest on Saturday, August 17, to express their solidarity with the students demanding justice. The protest will involve a boycott of non-emergency medical services, beginning at 6:00 AM on Saturday and concluding at 6:00 AM on Sunday.

This action will primarily impact outpatient services, though emergency care and inpatient services will continue uninterrupted. The doctors have appealed to the public to seek hospital treatment only in cases of emergency during the protest period. Notably, the district of Wayanad has been exempted from the protest due to its unique circumstances.

The Kerala Medical Postgraduates Association initiated the protest on Friday by refraining from participating in outpatient, ward, and elective operation theatre duties. The protest is being led by the Kerala Chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and has garnered support from several other medical organizations, including the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA), Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA), and others.

In addition to calling for swift justice for the victim's family, the protesting doctors are demanding that the Central Government implement stronger safety measures in healthcare facilities, including the Code Grey protocol to prevent attacks on medical professionals. The state-level protest meeting will be inaugurated by IMA state president Dr. Joseph Benaven on Saturday at 9:00 AM in front of the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram.