NEW DELHI: A massive strike by doctors across India has severely disrupted medical services nationwide, following the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old female doctor in Kolkata. The strike, which began at 6am on Saturday, has seen over one million medical professionals participate, leading to the closure of hospitals and clinics for all non-emergency procedures.
The tragic incident occurred last week at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, where the victim was employed. The brutality of the crime has sparked nationwide outrage and protests among the medical community, drawing comparisons to the infamous 2012 gang rape and murder of a student in New Delhi.
As part of the strike, hospitals have prioritized emergency cases only, with faculty staff from medical colleges stepping in to manage urgent medical needs. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) announced that elective procedures and outpatient consultations have been halted, causing significant disruptions in healthcare services.
In Kolkata, the scene outside RG Kar Medical College was marked by a heavy police presence, while the usually busy hospital premises remained deserted. The city’s private clinics and diagnostic centers also observed closures in solidarity with the strike.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed strong support for the protests, calling for a swift and rigorous investigation into the case. She has demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice with the utmost severity.
Dr. Sandip Saha, a private paediatrician in Kolkata, said that he would only attend to emergency cases during the strike. “The situation is deeply disturbing,” he told Reuters. “Our profession is deeply affected, and we need to stand together to demand justice.”
In Odisha, the strike has led to a surge in patients seeking care at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhubaneswar. Dr. Prabhas Ranjan Tripathy, additional medical superintendent at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, reported that resident doctors were fully on strike, putting immense pressure on senior medical staff to manage the increased patient load. “The situation is challenging as senior doctors are now handling the additional burden due to the absence of resident doctors,” Tripathy said.
Patients across the country have faced difficulties due to the strike. At SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, one patient expressed frustration over the lack of prior notice. “I’ve spent 500 rupees on travel. I have severe symptoms and was not informed about the strike. It’s very distressing to return home without treatment,” the patient told a local TV channel.
The protest is also fueled by growing anger over the perceived inadequacy of existing laws to protect women and deter violence. IMA President RV Asokan criticized the failure to ensure safety for women, who make up a significant portion of the medical workforce in India. “We need stronger measures to ensure safety and justice for women in our profession and beyond,” Asokan said.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is leading the investigation into the rape and murder, has summoned several medical students from RG Kar Medical College to gather details about the incident. The CBI has also questioned the hospital’s principal as part of its ongoing inquiry.
