Resident doctors across India have decided to extend their indefinite strike following an inconclusive meeting with the Union health ministry on Monday. The protest, initiated by the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA), was sparked by the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata.
The strike, which began on Monday, has severely disrupted elective services, including outpatient departments (OPDs) and non-emergency surgeries, at government hospitals nationwide. Despite lengthy discussions with health ministry officials, no resolution was reached, leading FORDA to continue their protest.
FORDA President Dr. Aviral Mathur confirmed that the strike will persist into Tuesday, stating that the government’s failure to address their demands left them with no other option. However, he assured that emergency services would remain operational during the strike.
The association is demanding immediate action regarding the issues at R G Kar Medical College, protection against police misconduct, and respectful treatment of the protesting doctors. They are also calling for swift justice and compensation for the family of the deceased doctor involved in the incident.
Moreover, FORDA has urged the Union government to implement comprehensive security measures for healthcare workers in all hospitals and to expedite the ratification of the Central Healthcare Protection Act, with a clear timeline for its completion.
