After an intense 11-day nationwide strike triggered by the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College, resident doctors have decided to return to their duties. Starting Friday, August 23, hospitals across the country are expected to operate at full capacity, with the out-patient department (OPD) and elective services, which were suspended during the strike, likely to be reinstated.Supreme court appeal The decision to end the strike came shortly after the Supreme Court made an urgent appeal to the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) on August 22. The Court urged the association to suspend their strike and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services across the nation. Acknowledging the valid concerns of the medical professionals, the Court emphasized that both justice and medicine must continue without interruption. Additionally, the Supreme Court directed that no punitive action should be taken against the striking doctors and called for their immediate return to work, assuring their safety.FORDA responds to court directiveIn response to the Supreme Courts directive, FORDA announced late Thursday evening that they would temporarily suspend the strike and resume their duties starting Friday. The association clarified that this suspension does not mark the end of their protest, but is a temporary measure. They plan to reassess their stance in two weeks, depending on the progress made in addressing their demands.FORDA has been at the forefront of advocating for Justice for Abhaya and ensuring the safety and security of resident doctors through our legal efforts. We are deeply grateful to the Honble Supreme Court for recognizing the severity of the RG Kar case and for their thorough examination and redressal of the issues affecting the resident doctors community, FORDA stated.Assurances sought against punitive measuresFORDA also called for assurances that no punitive actions—whether academic, financial, mental, or physical—would be taken against any undergraduate student, intern, postgraduate student, or senior resident doctor. This includes both regular and ad-hoc senior residents. The association stressed that there should be no attendance or salary/stipend cuts, as underscored by the Supreme Court during its hearing.
