Doctors Protest: Amid the ongoing hunger strike by junior doctors in West Bengal, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has called for a nationwide shutdown of elective medical services starting Monday. The decision was made to express solidarity with the protesting medics in West Bengal, according to an official statement from FAIMA.Following a meeting held on Saturday, FAIMA, which represents Resident Doctors Associations (RDAs) across India, issued a letter urging medical bodies nationwide to join the protest. The letter was addressed to various National Medical Associations and state RDAs. FAIMA emphasized its full support for the junior doctors cause in West Bengal, stating, It is time to unite on a national scale. The group had previously sent an ultimatum to the West Bengal Chief Minister, but after seeing no substantial action, FAIMA decided to escalate the matter by urging RDAs to suspend elective services.Emergency services to remain openWhile the body calls for a shutdown of elective services, FAIMA has requested all RDAs to ensure that emergency services remain operational around the clock. The official communication stated, We request all RDAs and associations to keep emergency facilities open 24/7 so that patients requiring urgent care do not suffer.FAIMA also addressed the issue of violence and neglect faced by medical professionals, adding, We cannot afford to lose another colleague to violence or neglect. The governments apathy has left us with no other choice. The association urged RDAs to hold general body meetings and join the protest in solidarity with the junior doctors in West Bengal.Ongoing fast-unto-death protestThe junior doctors protest in West Bengal, which entered its 10th day, began on October 5. The medics are demanding justice for a deceased woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, among other grievances. Four doctors have already been hospitalized due to deteriorating health from the prolonged fast.
