Kolkata doctor rape-murder: Resident doctors at AIIMS Delhi, Indira Gandhi Hospital (IGH), Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML), Lady Hardinge Medical College and other hospitals announced on Thursday that they were ending their 11-day strike, which had been initiated in protest against the rape and murder of a medical professional in Kolkata, following an appeal from the Supreme Court.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court requested the doctors to return to work, assuring them that no negative actions would be taken upon their return.
“We are resuming duties in response to the Supreme Court’s appeal, assurances, and intervention in the RG Kar incident concerning the safety of doctors. We appreciate the court’s actions and urge adherence to its directives. Our priority remains patient care,” said the Resident Doctors’ Association of AIIMS, New Delhi, in a post on X.
We are resuming duties following the Supreme Court’s appeal and assurances and intervention in the RG Kar incident and safety for doctors . We commend the Court’s action and call for adherence to its directives. Patient care remains our top priority. @MoHFW_INDIA @aiims_newdelhi pic.twitter.com/lA5YQdKwoP
— RDAAIIMS DELHI (@AIIMSRDA) August 22, 2024
The resident doctors’ association of RML Hospital issued a statement indicating that “considering the Supreme Court’s intervention and the progress made in addressing their demands,” they would resume duties from 8 AM on Friday.
Also Read: Delhi: Patients, kin suffer as doctors’ protests paralyse city hospitals
The strike is being suspended following the Supreme Court’s suo motu cognizance of the case and the transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the statement added.
RML Hospital’s RDA officially calls off the strike. Resident docs to return to their duty tomorrow.
Remaining Delhi RDAs including Safdarjung, MAMC, GTB, LHMC, & DDU will also issue letters confirming end of the strike#Doctors_on_strike #DoctorsProtest #RGKar #KolkataDeathCase https://t.co/ZmoTURc7Gr pic.twitter.com/7Yy45cirW0— Ashish Srivastava (@AshishOnGround) August 22, 2024
Speaking to Patriot, Dr Manish Jangra, the chairperson of FAIMA, highlighted that the decision to call off the strike was taken after consulting with all Resident Doctor’s Associations and other stakeholders.
#FAIMA has decided to call off the strike following positive directions from the #Chief Justice of India.
We welcome the acceptance of our prayers for interim protections & the necessary steps to enhance security in hospitals.
United,We will continue to fight legally.@ANI https://t.co/duRj9hCCWB pic.twitter.com/neYLpp2kng
— FAIMA Doctors Association (@FAIMA_INDIA_) August 22, 2024
“We have taken our decision after due consideration keeping each RDA from across the board in the loop. Our decision might disappoint few of our stakeholders. But we are sorry to say that our decision was democratic and according to what the majority of shareholders decided. follow democracy we believe in democracy”.
SC has taken note of the prayer made on behalf of #FAIMA by @advocate_tanvi Advocate regarding interim protection to be provided to the doctors.
SC allowed our prayer and directed the State & DGP to take appropriate action within a period of 2 weeks.@LiveLawIndia @ANI https://t.co/VMa4lwivPt pic.twitter.com/Y8yOtppW8I
— FAIMA Doctors Association (@FAIMA_INDIA_) August 22, 2024
Resident doctors of Lady Hardinge Medical College also have resumed their work.
Resident doctors of Lady Hardinge Medical College also have resumed the work after CJI’s appeal to return to work and assurance that no action will be taken by the College due to their absence @rdalhmc @FordaIndia @FAIMA_INDIA_ @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/rBYg4DGqBK
— Rohit shishodia (@rohitshi88) August 22, 2024
In a statement issued on X, the resident doctors of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Hospital have also announced that they have ended their strike, following the Supreme Court’s intervention.
Resident doctors of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Hospital have also ended their strike after CJI’s appeal @FAIMA_INDIA_ @FordaIndia pic.twitter.com/2I1nLUelSB
— Rohit shishodia (@rohitshi88) August 22, 2024
The assault and murder of the junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital triggered nationwide protests. On August 12, resident doctors’ associations launched a nationwide protest, halting outpatient department (OPD) services, while emergency services remained operational.
The junior doctor’s body was recovered on August 9 with severe injury marks in the seminar hall of the state-run hospital’s chest department. The next day, a civic volunteer was arrested by Kolkata Police in connection Kolkata doctor rape-murder case.
On August 13, the Calcutta High Court ordered the transfer of the investigation from the Kolkata Police to the CBI, which began its probe on August 14.
