Delhi: RML Hospital Doctors end strike against Kolkata doctor-rape-murder case; welcome SC intervention

New Delhi [India], August 20 (ANI): The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of central government-run Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML) on Tuesday called off its strike that it had been observing in protests against the rape-murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.

In an official statement, RDA Vice President Deepak said, “We are writing to formally inform you of the conclusion of our strike. The decision comes in light of the government’s acceptance of all critical demands put forward by resident Doctors of India.”

Referring to the gruesome incident at the RG Kar Medical College, the statement by RDA said that the case highlighted the sorry state in which residents are working.

“The whole medical fraternity stood tall with the residents of India. Recently this case was transferred to the CBI and the Supreme Court took sou moto cognizance of this case given the nation’s interest,” it said.

“The Ministry of Health and the Medical Superintendent’s office have assured that all necessary permissions for enhanced security measures at medical institutions have been obtained, with a 45-day timeline set for implementation,” stated the statement.

“The ministry also pledged to tighten security across all central government hospitals and issue advisories to state governments,” it said.

“We will continue our agitation in support of the RG Kar residents and solidarity with doctors all across the nation until a resolution but without disrupting medical services in the hospital. We have requested residents to resume services from August 20 at 4 PM onwards,” it stated.

Adding further it said, “We emphasize that our solidarity for the cause remains unwavering, and we will continue to support ongoing efforts to improve the safety and rights of our residents. As discussed with your office, we will shortly submit our security suggestions for ABVIMS

RML Hospital, as also outlined in the recent advisory by NMC,” it added.

“These suggestions will require a time-bound and prompt redressal to ensure the safety of all our residents. Furthermore, considering the unprecedented nature of our cause, we request that no absences be recorded, nor any salaries deducted, for the duration of the strike. This was also agreed upon by your esteemed office,” said the statement.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday constituted a 10-member National Task Force to make recommendations on the prevention of violence and safe working conditions for medical professionals.

The task force includes Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, among others.

Days after the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata sparked nationwide protests, the apex court suo motu took up the case and directed the task force to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months.

The court said the Task Force would also prepare an action plan to prevent gender-based violence and ensure a dignified working space for interns, residents, and non-resident doctors.

The top court also asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a status report on the status of the investigation in the rape case. The court asked the West Bengal government to file a status report on the mob attack incident in the RG Kar hospital on August 15.

Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continued its investigation on Tuesday into the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

The CBI has received permission to conduct a polygraph test on the arrested accused, CBI sources said earlier. On August 18, the CBI team examined and conducted 3D laser mapping in the emergency ward of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

On Monday, the West Bengal government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct an inquiry and investigation into the allegations of financial irregularities in R. G. Kar Hospital during the period from January 2021 until date.

Demanding justice, prominent artists of the Bengal music industry protested on Monday against the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

On Monday evening, several artists, including actor Saheb Chatterjee, radio personality Mir Afsar Ali and others, came to the streets to express their outrage over the matter.