There is a nationwide strike of resident doctors today in protest against the murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, West Bengal. The Federation of All India Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), a nationwide organization of resident doctors, has called for a strike with the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of all government hospitals in the country.
In all the government hospitals of the country including Delhi, OPD, surgery and lab work is done by resident doctors. In such a situation, the health services can be affected due to the strike of resident doctors. Just a day before, the resident doctors of AIIMS hospital of the country’s capital had taken out a candle march in protest.
Emergency services will remain operational
RDA has said that the strike will be conducted while keeping the emergency services running. This strike will be of resident doctors only. The rest of the senior doctors or consultants will see the patients. However, emergency services will remain fully operational.
Services in these hospitals affected
Lady Hardinge Medical College, Kalawati Bal Chikitsalaya, Sucheta Kriplani Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Lok Nayak Hospital affiliated to Maulana Azad Medical College, GB Pant, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital and many other government hospitals have also announced closure of OPD services, elective surgeries and lab work on Monday.
Demand for investigation in a transparent manner
Dr. Sharada Prasad, Vice President of Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) said that FORDA has declared a nationwide strike in protest against the incident. We want a transparent investigation to be conducted at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital. The remaining accused should be caught soon. Strict action should be taken against the accused.
Doctors demanded a CBI inquiry
Resident Doctors Association president Dr Indra Shekhar, who was protesting at AIIMS, said that we are not satisfied with the investigation. Many doctors involved in the protest have also demanded a CBI investigation. On the other hand, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has talked about giving death penalty to the accused and conducting a CBI investigation.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)