Doctors’ nationwide movement demands ‘Justice and Safety’ after tragedy at RG Kar Medical College
Forum urged all healthcare professionals to continue the strike until their demands are met
Doctors’ nationwide movement demands ‘Justice and Safety’ after tragedy at RG Kar Medical College
Ferozepur / New Delhi, August 17, 2024 – A nationwide justice movement has emerged in response to the tragic events at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Medical professionals across India have united, suspending non-emergency services to demand accountability, safety, and reform in the healthcare sector.
The All India Residents and Junior Doctors’ Joint Action Forum, representing residents, junior doctors, and medical students, announced their demands after a Pan-India General Body meeting on August 14, 2024. Their primary demands include – Nationwide Cease-work: A 72-hour deadline for the CBI to conduct a thorough inquiry and arrest the culprits responsible for the tragedy, Resignation of Higher Authorities: The immediate resignation and CBI interrogation of RG Kar Medical College’s higher authorities, who are suspected of evidence tampering, Implementation of the Central Protection Act (CPA): A written commitment from the central government to form an authentic body to urgently implement the CPA, ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals nationwide.
In a joint statement – Dr Nilanjan Datta Dr Prajna Anirvan Joint Coordinator Joint Convenors North Zone East Zone Dr Anirban Bhaumik (BSAH, Delhi) Dr Aniket (RG Kar, WB) Dr Praneeth Reddy (PGIMER, Chandigarh) Dr Subrat (SCBMCH, Cuttack) Dr Bishnu Goswami (AIIMS, Delhi) South Zone North East Zone Dr Unni Pillai (Kerala) Dr. Diganta (NEIGRIHMS, Shillong) Dr. (Ms.) Varsha (Karnataka) Dr. (Ms.) Tanya (Assam) West Zone Dr. Mukesh Chaudhry (Maharashtra) – said, these demands were declared non-negotiable by the All India Joint Action Committee (AIJAC), which was formed to guide and strengthen the movement. The violence against protesters at RG Kar Medical College on the night of August 15th further intensified their resolve, with the Forum demanding swift administrative action against those responsible.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a 24-hour strike in support, aligning with the 72-hour strike announced on August 14th. The Union Health Ministry’s promise to protect junior doctors was dismissed by the Forum as “empty words,” criticizing the government for its failure to provide adequate staffing and safe working conditions.
The Forum urged all healthcare professionals to continue the strike until their demands are met, emphasizing that this movement is not just about one incident but about ensuring the safety and dignity of all healthcare workers in India.
