New Delhi, Aug 16: In response to the ongoing protests in Kolkata over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, Resident Doctors' Associations (RDAs) in Delhi have announced a joint protest march. The march is set to take place on August 16, starting at 2 PM from Nirman Bhavan in the National Capital, as stated in a press release by the RDA.
"Representatives from Resident Doctor's Associations, including AIIMS Delhi, SJH, and MAMC, convened a comprehensive meeting. After extensive discussions, it was unanimously decided that all RDAs in Delhi will participate in a joint protest march on August 16, 2024, at 2 PM, from Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi," the statement from the Resident Doctor's Associations, AIIMS, confirmed.
In addition, the Delhi Medical Association (DMA) conducted an emergency meeting to address the incident. Following their discussion, the DMA has organized a candle march at India Gate at 5 PM on Friday. Dr. Girish Tyagi, DMA President-elect, expressed his condemnation of the incident, stating, "This is a very shameful incident. The Delhi Medical Association stands with the victim and her family. A candle march will be held at India Gate tomorrow at 5 PM. A strike is scheduled from 6 AM on August 17 to 6 AM the next day, lasting 24 hours. We support the resident doctors who are not receiving the proper working conditions. In the next phase of the strike, emergency services will also be included."
DMA President Dr. Alok Bhandari added, "We held an emergency meeting today. The medical community is outraged and deeply saddened by what happened to one of our sisters and daughters in Kolkata. The Delhi Medical Association has called for a nationwide strike against this incident. If the government does not address and find a permanent solution to these issues, the medical profession will have no choice but to take to the streets. With this demand, we have called for a 24-hour strike from Saturday to Sunday. This is a public issue, and there can be no more disgraceful matter for this country."
On Thursday, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) also announced a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of services by doctors of modern medicine, commencing from 6 AM on Saturday, August 17, to 6 AM on Sunday, August 18.
Meanwhile, the Bengali film and television industry joined the protesting doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Thursday. Actress Alivia Sarkar remarked, "We are speechless and demand justice and a proper solution. Such acts are inhumane. Everyone is contemplating a solution. This movement has resonated across the country, and all seek justice."
The tragic incident involving a postgraduate trainee doctor, who was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata on August 9, has sparked nationwide strikes and protests within the medical community.
