Kolkata Doctor Rape And Murder: IMA Announces Nationwide Closure Of Services On August 17

Kolkata: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has declared a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of services by doctors of modern medicine in response to the horrific rape and murder at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The protest is set to begin at 6 am on Saturday, August 17, 2024, and will end at 6 am on Sunday, August 18, 2024, according to an official statement from the IMA.

The IMA's statement reads, "In light of the brutal crime at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, coupled with the violence inflicted on protesting students on the eve of Independence Day, the Indian Medical Association is initiating a nationwide withdrawal of services by modern medicine doctors. This withdrawal will take place from 6 am on Saturday, August 17, to 6 am on Sunday, August 18, spanning 24 hours. All essential services will continue to be provided, and casualties will be attended to. However, routine outpatient departments (OPDs) will be closed, and elective surgeries will not be performed. This withdrawal will affect all sectors where modern medicine doctors are serving. The IMA seeks the nation’s understanding and support for this just cause."

This tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage, leading resident and junior doctors to cease work as a form of protest.

On Thursday, the IMA held an emergency meeting with its state branches following the violent mob attack on protesting resident and junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College on Wednesday night.

In its statement, the IMA emphasized that emergency and casualty services will remain operational in all hospitals. "All essential services will be maintained, and casualties will be attended to. Routine OPDs will not be functional, and elective surgeries will be halted. This withdrawal will occur across all sectors where modern medicine doctors provide services," the statement reiterated.