Kolkata doctor rape case highlights: IMA writes to PM Modi, outlines several demands for safety of medics

Kolkata doctor rape case highlights: The nationwide doctors strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) began today at 6 am. The IMA doctors' 24-hour strike has been joined by more and more doctors nationwide as the organisation has put forth five demands in front of the government.

"All essential services will be maintained. Casualties will be manned. Routine OPDs will not function and elective surgeries will not be conducted. The withdrawal is across all the sectors wherever modern medicine doctors are providing service. IMA requires the sympathy of the nation with the just cause of its doctors," read an IMA press release.

Amid the nationwide doctors' strike, IMA National President Dr Asokan said that it is the right time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the situation.

“We are asking for a very fundamental right, the right to life... We will be writing to the PM. The time is ripe for his intervention... Certainly, that (PM Modi mentioning women's safety in his August 15 speech) is one aspect that shows that he is concerned. It will be very appropriate to write to the prime minister. IMA will be doing that,” Dr Asokan told ANI.

What are the five demands by IMA amid the nationwide doctors' strike?

-Change in the government's reluctance to acknowledge the violence on doctors and hospitals. For this IMA demanded a Central Act incorporating the amendments of 2023 in the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 into the draft Hospital Protection Bill of 2019 that would strengthen the existing 25 state legislations.

-Stringent security protocols of all hospitals which should be no less than like those existing at airports. Declaration of hospitals as safe zones with mandatory security entitlements.

-A thorough overhaul of the working and living conditions of doctors.

-Meticulous and professional investigation of the Kolkata doctor rape case and thorough investigation of RG Kar vandalism incident.

-Appropriate and dignified compensation to the victim's family.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee calls for capital punishment

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said it's a “big crime” and the accused should hanged to death. She blamed “Bam [Left] and Ram [BJP]” for RG Kar vandalism on Wednesday night. Her statement came after vandalism and rampage incidents were reported outside RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Meanwhile, doctors and nurses continue to protest in Kolkata over the incident. Protests were also help outside AIIMS Delhi.

A woman was allegedly raped and murdered in the seminal hall of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The Kolkata rape case has brought medical services to a standstill as students and doctors continue to demand justice for the resident PG doctor. Videos show a mob of dozens pushing their way in the emergency ward of the RG Kar Hospital and vandalising chairs. Some were even seen vandalising the protest site. The CBI has taken over the investigation of the Kolkata rape and murder case.

Stay tuned for Kolkata doctor rape case highlights.

Kolkata doctor rape case highlights: IMA writes to PM Modi, outlines several demands for safety of medics

Kolkata doctor rape case highlights: The IMA's National President Dr Asokan on Saturday said that he will write to PM Modi as doctors continue their 24-hour strike in solidarity with the brutal rape of Kolkata doctor. All OPD services will remain suspended.