Doctors’ Bodies Differ On Calling Off Strike Over Kolkata Rape-Murder

New Delhi: Hours after stating that the strike which began after the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata would continue, a key doctors’ body announced on Tuesday night that the agitation has been called off. Many other organisations, including the resident doctors’ association of the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, have, however, said that the strike will go on.

The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) said the decision to call off the strike was taken after a meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda and that their demands had been met, including one seeking an assurance that the Central Healthcare Protection Act would be passed to curb attacks on medical personnel.

In a statement, FORDA said, “as requested”, it will be part of a committee on the Central Healthcare Protection Act, work on which will start within 15 days. It said it had decided to call off the strike on Wednesday morning in the interest of patient welfare.  

Around 11 pm, soon after the FORDA statement, the health ministry posted on X that Mr Nadda has welcomed the organisation’s decision and all their concerns regarding the safety of healthcare workers would be addressed.  

“Union Health Minister, Shri @JPNadda met with the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (@FordaIndia) delegation today.  He welcomed their decision to call off the strike in the public interest and assured them that the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will address all their concerns to ensure a safer and better work environment,” the post said.

Differing with FORDA, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) said most of the resident doctors’ associations (RDAs) are with it and would continue the strike along with FAIMA and AIIMS Delhi. It said a national RDA meeting was attended by over 90 representatives.

The situation centers on a significant conflict within India’s medical community, sparked by the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. This event has led to widespread strikes and protests by resident doctors nationwide, who are demanding stronger legal protections through the proposed Central Healthcare Protection Act.

Key developments include:

1. Strike and Protests: The strike began as a response to the murder and broader concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals, leading to widespread protests across multiple cities and severely impacting elective medical services.
2. Demands: The striking doctors are advocating for the introduction of a Central Healthcare Protection Act, which would impose strict penalties on those who assault or intimidate medical personnel. They also call for swift investigation and prosecution of such cases, and the creation of hospital committees to address violence against healthcare workers.
3. Government Response: The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) initially decided to call off the strike after meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, who promised to address their concerns, including the creation of the Central Healthcare Protection Act. FORDA agreed to participate in a committee to develop this legislation.
4. Continued Strikes: Despite FORDA’s decision, many other doctors’ organizations, including those from AIIMS and various state associations, have chosen to continue the strike until they receive a firm commitment to enacting the Central Healthcare Protection Act. They are particularly focused on ensuring nationwide safety for doctors.
5. Legal and Institutional Support: While 19 states have already enacted legislation to protect healthcare workers, the doctors are pushing for a central law to ensure uniformity and stronger protection across the country.