Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has declared a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of all non-emergency medical services starting from 6AM on Saturday (August 17) to protest against the brutal rape and murder of the post-graduate trainee lady doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
They are pushing for robust working and living conditions for resident doctors, IMA issued five key demands, including the implementation of a central law to prevent violence against healthcare professionals in the workplace. The IMA stated that all essential services will continue to be provided, and emergency departments will remain staffed.
(IMA) Indian Medical Association’s Five Demands:
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The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the working and living conditions of resident doctors, highlighting the 36-hour duty shift the victim at RG Kar Hospital was subjected to and the absence of safe rest spaces.
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The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged the incorporation of the 2023 amendments to the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 into the proposed Hospital Protection Bill of 2019. The IMA believes this would strengthen existing legislation in 25 states. Additionally, the association suggested that an ordinance similar to the one enacted during the Covid-19 pandemic would be appropriate in the current circumstances.
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The IMA has demanded a thorough and professional investigation into the crime within a specific timeframe, along with swift justice. Additionally, the IMA called for identifying those responsible for the vandalism at RG Kar Hospital on the night of August 14 and ensuring they face exemplary punishment.
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IMA has urged that hospital security protocols be elevated to the same level as airport security. It recommended that hospitals be designated as safe zones with mandatory security measures as the initial step, followed by the installation of CCTV cameras and the deployment of security personnel.
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The IMA called for appropriate and dignified compensation for the bereaved family, reflecting the severity of the crime.