RIMS Junior Doctors to Boycott Work in Protest Against Kolkata Rape-Murder Case

Ranchi, August 13, 2024 — In a significant move, the Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA) at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) has announced a boycott of work starting Tuesday, August 14, in protest against the horrific rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata. The decision was made during a JDA meeting on Monday, following growing concerns about the safety and security of medical students and professionals.

Ankit Kumar, President of JDA, stated, “We have decided to shut down OPD services and routine surgeries from Tuesday onwards. No new patients will be admitted. However, all emergency services will remain operational, and the number of junior doctors in the emergency department will be increased to handle the situation. Treatment of patients already admitted in the wards will continue as usual.”

The incident in Kolkata has sparked outrage among medical professionals across the country, raising concerns about the safety of students, especially female doctors, who are often vulnerable due to late-night duties and inadequate security measures in medical colleges and hospitals. Ankit Kumar emphasized that the absence of effective security arrangements makes medical institutions unsafe for students, and this needs to be addressed immediately.

The JDA has formally notified the Health Minister, Health Secretary, Director of RIMS, and the Dean about their decision to boycott work. They have also listed their demands, which include the immediate transfer of the Kolkata case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a fair and transparent investigation. Additionally, they are calling for the implementation of central security regulations in all medical institutions and the installation of CCTV cameras throughout the college and hospital premises, with 24-hour security guards stationed in the hospital complex.

Dr. Rajkumar, Director of RIMS, stated that he had not yet received any official communication about the work boycott but assured that alternative arrangements would be made if necessary. The junior doctors’ protest is seen as a symbolic gesture to draw attention to the pressing issue of safety in medical institutions and to push for swift action against those responsible for such heinous crimes.

Meanwhile, in Godda, doctors held an emergency meeting late Monday night to discuss the situation. Senior physician Dr. Ajay Jha, who chaired the meeting, expressed deep sorrow and anger over the incident in Kolkata, condemning the brutal crime. Dr. Ashok Kumar, another senior physician, highlighted the fear and anxiety among doctors across the country, stating that such incidents are deeply disturbing and must be addressed urgently.

As a mark of protest, doctors in both private and government hospitals across the country are expected to wear black badges while on duty on Tuesday. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), both central and West Bengal chapters, are also closely monitoring the situation and may announce further action depending on the government’s response to the doctors’ demands.

The doctors have issued a 48-hour ultimatum, set to expire on Tuesday, for the authorities to take decisive action. If their demands for enhanced security and swift justice are not met, the IMA has warned of a nationwide strike, underscoring the seriousness of the issue and the urgent need for measures to protect healthcare professionals.