In response to the horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a nationwide 24-hour strike. This shocking incident has sparked outrage across the country, with doctors demanding justice for the victim.
The IMA announced that from 6 AM on Saturday, August 17th, to 6 AM on Sunday, August 18th, all medical services will be halted as a form of protest. However, emergency services will remain operational during this period. This decision was made public through an official statement released late Thursday night.
The tragic incident has led to widespread protests and strikes, severely impacting healthcare services. For the past week, junior doctors have been boycotting work, and many government hospitals have seen a halt in outpatient and emergency services, leaving patients in distress.
Adding to the chaos, late Thursday night, a group of around 40 people stormed R G Kar Hospital, causing significant damage to the emergency department, nursing station, and other facilities. The situation escalated as the protesters clashed with police, who responded with tear gas, arresting nine individuals.
West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused political opponents, specifically the CPI(M) and BJP, of trying to create unrest in the state. She emphasized that she does not blame the protesting students and doctors but believes that external forces were responsible for the violence at the hospital. Mamata also announced that she will be taking to the streets on Friday to demand justice for the victim.
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