'Dark Chapter For Our Profession': Key Doctors' Body Resumes Strike Two Days After Calling It Off

The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) on Thursday decided to resume its strike hours after unidentified miscreants vandalised RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, where a trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered last week.

The decision came two days after the doctor’s body on Tuesday decided to call off its strike after meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda.

Announcing its decision to resume its strike, FORDA said it was “shocked and anguished” by the violence at the RG Kar Medical College And Hospital.

“In light of the recent troubling events at RG Kar Medical College, the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) addresses our colleagues, the medical community, and the public with renewed resolve… We acknowledge that our earlier decision to call off the strike, made in good faith based on assurances from the Ministry, has caused distress and disappointment within our community. We accept responsibility for this and understand the widespread discontent it has caused,” the organisation said in a statement.

“The events that have unfolded since, particularly the violence last night, have shocked and anguished us all. This represents a dark chapter for our profession, We strongly condemn the Union Ministry and State Government for their failure to honour their commitments and ensure the safety of healthcare professionals during this crisis,” it added.

Announcing that it would resume the strike immediately, FORDA said it is developing a plan of action with other RDAs.

FORDA Called Off Stir

Announcing its decision to end the stir, FORDA on Tuesday said that its demands had been met, including one seeking an assurance that the Central Healthcare Protection Act would be passed to curb attacks on medical personnel.

“A key outcome of the meeting was the health minister’s agreement to form a committee with FORDA’s involvement to work on the Central Protection Act. The Ministry has assured that work on this will begin within the next 15 days,” FORDA said in a statement.

Vandalism At RG Kar Medical College

Unidentified miscreants entered the premises of state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital during early hours of Thursday and vandalised portions of the medical facility, where the body of a woman doctor was found last week.

The incident took place amid midnight protests by women against the horrific rape-murder of the doctor at the hospital.

According to the police, a group of nearly 40 people, allegedly disguised as protestors, entered the hospital premises, vandalised property and pelted stones at police personnel prompting them to fire teargas to disperse the mob.

(With inputs from PTI)