In response to the recent rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) has announced a nationwide suspension of elective services in hospitals starting Monday, August 12. This move is in solidarity with the residents of the state-run medical college who are protesting the tragic incident.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) had previously issued a warning on Saturday, threatening nationwide protests if their demands were not met within 48 hours.
In a statement, FORDA emphasized, “As a mark of solidarity with our colleagues at RG Kar, we are halting elective services nationwide beginning Monday. This decision is not taken lightly but is necessary to ensure our voices are heard and that justice and safety are prioritized without further delay.”
Elective services include non-urgent medical procedures and scheduled clinical anesthesia services that are not immediately necessary.
FORDA has outlined five key demands:
- Immediate acceptance and action on the demands of RG Kar Medical College residents.
- Assurance of no police brutality or manhandling of protesting doctors, with their right to peaceful protest being respected.
- Swift justice and appropriate compensation for the deceased doctor’s family.
- Release and enforcement of a mandated protocol by the union government for the security of healthcare workers across all hospitals.
- Formation of an expert committee, including representatives from the medical community, to expedite the ratification of the Central Healthcare Protection Act.
FORDA expressed its readiness to assist in achieving these goals and called on the government to take immediate action to address their demands and ensure the safety and security of healthcare professionals.
The incident has sparked widespread protests among doctors and students in Kolkata. The IMA issued a strong statement on Saturday, demanding immediate action in the case and warning of nationwide protests if their demands are not met within 48 hours.
The body of a 28-year-old female doctor was discovered in a semi-naked state in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on Friday morning. The victim, a second-year student in the respiratory medicine department, was reportedly sexually assaulted before being strangled and smothered to death between 3 am and 6 am.
The autopsy revealed multiple injuries, including bleeding from her eyes, mouth, and private parts, as well as injuries to her face, nails, belly, and other parts of her body. The accused was arrested on Saturday and has been charged under sections 64 (rape) and 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
