Kolkata rape-murder: After RDA and UDFA, FAIMA calls off strike following SC directive

New Delhi [India], August 23 (ANI): The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) called off the strike protesting the Kolkata rape and murder of a trainee doctor following the Supreme Court directive on Thursday.

In a self-made video message, FAIMA Chairman Dr Rohan Krishnan said that the protests will continue but in a different form.

Dr Krishnan said that a pan-India meeting was held earlier and requested all resident doctors to return to work.

“The CJI requested us to call off the strike for the larger interest and public welfare. We had a pan-India meeting and we have decided to resume the OPD, emergency and elective services. The protest will continue but in a different form. I request all resident doctors to return and work for the patients’ welfare. Our legal battle will continue,” Dr Krishnan said.

Earlier, the Resident Doctors Association of Indira Gandhi Hospital officially called off its 11-day strike after the Supreme Court appealed the medical fraternity to return to work.

The United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) also suspended the nationwide strike, protesting the Kolkata rape-murder of a trainee doctor, following the SC directive.

The UDFA expressed gratitude to the top court for recognising the gravity of our concerns and taking swift action. The UDFA also emphasised the urgent need for the establishment of a Central Protection Act (CPA) to provide comprehensive legal safeguards for healthcare professionals.

On August 22, the Supreme Court directed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to engage with the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police across all states and Union Territories. The directive includes an unequivocal mandate for state governments and Union Territories to establish and enforce minimum safety standards in all medical institutions.

The apex court has assured that no adverse action will be taken against doctors who have participated in protests prior to this ruling. It has also instructed the installation of CCTV cameras and call distress systems in medical establishments. The court also affirmed UDFA’s role as a key stakeholder in the ongoing National Task Force discussions.

The apex court has imposed stringent timelines for action. The Union Health Ministry, along with state authorities, is required to complete consultations within one week, followed by prompt implementation within the subsequent two weeks.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra passed these directions while hearing the suo motu petition that it initiated in the wake of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal on August 9.