In the aftermath of the shocking rape and murder of a trainee postgraduate doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the nation is witnessing widespread outrage and demands for justice. Medical professionals from across India have taken to the streets in protest, calling for stricter measures to protect healthcare workers.The Indian Medical Association (IMA), leading the charge, has announced a 24-hour nationwide strike, ensuring that while essential services remain operational, Out Patient Department (OPD) services will be suspended during this period. The strike has significantly impacted medical services, prompting the Madhya Pradesh High Court to direct protesting doctors to resume work immediately.Meanwhile, Maharashtras Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, has discussed the need for a stringent central law for the protection of doctors with Union Minister JP Nadda.Heres what IMA mentioned in the letter to Prime MinisterThe letter highlights a thorough and professional investigation of the crime within a set timeframe, followed by the swift delivery of justice, is crucial. The bereaved family deserves appropriate and dignified compensation, reflecting the severity of the cruelty they have endured. It further says, “We acknowledge your recent remarks on womens safety during your Independence Day address and now appeal for your kind intervention in this matter. Your involvement would not only bolster the confidence of women doctors but also reassure every woman in the workplace. Women make up 60% of Indian doctors, 68% in the dental profession, 75% in physiotherapy, and 85% in nursing. All healthcare professionals deserve a peaceful, safe, and secure working environment. We earnestly request your support to ensure that our demands are met.”Indian Medical Association (IMA) writes letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding his intervention on demands of the doctors pic.twitter.com/GLQuxqKa9L— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2024Top Developments So Far...Nationwide Protests Demand JusticeFollowing the gruesome incident, the IMA has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging his intervention. The association is demanding the immediate implementation of the Healthcare Services Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2019, commonly referred to as the Central Protection Act. This legislation aims to safeguard healthcare workers from violence and property damage, a need underscored by the recent tragedy.CBI to Conduct Psychological Assessment of AccusedThe Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken Sanjay Roy, the accused in the rape and murder case, into custody and will conduct a psychological assessment. A specialized team of psychological and behavioral analysts from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Delhi has arrived in Kolkata to carry out the tests. This assessment is expected to provide critical insights into the accuseds mental state and aid in the investigation.BJP Leader Calls for Durga Puja Committees to ProtestIn a significant political development, BJP leader Sajal Ghosh, who is also the chief organizer of the popular Santosh Mitra Square Puja Committee, has called on all Durga Puja committees across West Bengal to reject the state governments Rs 85,000 honorarium. This move is intended as a protest against the state governments perceived failure to ensure womens safety, particularly in light of the recent incident.Supreme Court Petition FiledA petition has been filed before the Supreme Court, urging it to take suo motu cognizance of the horrific gang rape and murder of the postgraduate trainee doctor on August 9. The petition, sent to the Chief Justice, reflects the growing demand for judicial intervention in the case and calls for immediate action to prevent further such tragedies.
