IT News
Imphal, Aug 16:
In response to the nationwide strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal has announced a 24-hour withdrawal of patient care services, including outpatient department (OPD) and elective surgeries. This protest, organized by the Executive Committee of the Teachers’ and Medical Officers Association (TAMOA) at RIMS, is set to begin at 6:00 AM on August 17 and conclude at 6:00 AM on August 18, 2024. During this period, emergency and inpatient services at RIMS will remain operational.
The strike is in solidarity with the medical community’s outrage over the brutal assault on a postgraduate student on duty at RG Kar Medical College in West Bengal. The incident, which occurred on August 9, 2024, involved the rape and murder of a young female postgraduate student in chest medicine. The crime has sparked national outrage, leading to widespread protests and candlelight marches organized by the IMA across the country.
The situation has been further exacerbated by the perceived mishandling of the investigation by the college authorities and local police. The Calcutta High Court, expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing investigation, ordered the transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 13, 2024. Concerns have been raised over potential evidence tampering if the case remains under state police jurisdiction.
The unrest escalated on August 15, 2024, when a large crowd vandalized the hospital where the incident occurred, causing significant damage. Medical students protesting the crime were also subjected to violence during the incident.
The IMA has emphasized the increasing vulnerability of healthcare professionals, particularly women, to violence and has called for immediate action to ensure their safety. The nationwide strike aims to draw attention to these safety concerns and the urgent need for authorities to protect doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.
The strike will primarily affect non-essential services, with routine OPDs and elective surgeries being suspended. However, essential services, including emergency care, will continue uninterrupted. The IMA has called on the public to support the medical community in this critical stand for the safety and security of healthcare professionals.
