Resident doctors at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) in Bihar have launched an indefinite strike. They are protesting the Kolkata rape & murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Initially, the strike only affected Outpatient Department (OPD) services. However, the doctors have now expanded the strike to include emergency services. In solidarity, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) of Bihar has also suspended OPD services.
The IMA has announced a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency services starting at 6 A.M. on Saturday. This protest aims to highlight the horrific crime in Kolkata. Despite this, essential services and casualty wards will remain operational.
Also Read: Calcutta High Court Questions Police Handling Of R G Kar Hospital Vandalism
The IMA has called for immediate and severe action against those responsible for the Kolkata rape & murder. Furthermore, IMA has also called for action against the vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. They demand swift action against the perpetrators.
Addressing safety concerns, Dr. Kumar Shashi Kant, Assistant Professor at PMCH, emphasized, “This is not a one-day issue; it requires collective effort. People must be sensitive and support those affected.”
Dr. Animesh Kumar, a postgraduate student at PMCH, added, “We demand police posts at all four medical colleges in Kolkata to ensure the safety of medical professionals. We also call for comprehensive protection measures at all medical colleges and universities nationwide and capital punishment for those involved in such crimes.”
Dr. Rajkumar Sharma, a fourth-year MBBS student at PMCH, explained that suspending emergency services is a strong message to authorities. “Our safety is crucial, and we are not fighting against anyone but advocating for necessary security measures,” he said.
Patients affected by the suspension have expressed frustration. They argue that the Kolkata incident should be addressed through the judicial system, not by withholding medical care. A concerned relative from Motihari, waiting for his brother’s treatment, remarked, “The medical staff are present, but registration slips are not being issued. We are waiting for the doctors to resume duty.”
