Kolkata: In response to the Supreme Court's directive, the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has called off its strike against the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate medico at R G Kar Medical College Hospital in Kolkata.
In a self-made video message, FAIMA Chairman Dr Rohan Krishnan said that the protests will continue but in a different form.
Dr Krishnan said that a pan-India meeting was held earlier and requested all resident doctors to return to work.
Also Read:Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: AIIMS doctors call off strike after Supreme Court appeal
"The CJI requested us to call off the strike for the larger interest and public welfare. We had a pan-India meeting and we have decided to resume the OPD, emergency and elective services. The protest will continue but in a different form. I request all resident doctors to return and work for the patients' welfare. Our legal battle will continue," Dr Krishnan said, news agency ANI reported.
Medical Dilaogues had earlier reported that the resident doctors at the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on Thursday called off their 11-day strike after the Supreme Court asked healthcare workers to resume their duties and asked the Centre to provide security to all health professionals across the country.
Earlier, the Resident Doctors Association of Indira Gandhi Hospital officially called off its 11-day strike after the Supreme Court appealed the medical fraternity to return to work.
The United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) also suspended the nationwide strike, protesting the Kolkata rape-murder of a trainee doctor, following the SC directive.
The United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) similarly suspended its nationwide strike, thanking the court for addressing their concerns and emphasizing the need for a Central Protection Act (CPA) to safeguard healthcare professionals.
According to an ANI report, on August 22, the Supreme Court directed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to engage with the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police across all states and Union Territories. The directive includes an unequivocal mandate for state governments and Union Territories to establish and enforce minimum safety standards in all medical institutions.
The apex court has assured that no adverse action will be taken against doctors who have participated in protests prior to this ruling. It has also instructed the installation of CCTV cameras and call distress systems in medical establishments. The court also affirmed UDFA's role as a key stakeholder in the ongoing National Task Force discussions.
The apex court has imposed stringent timelines for action. The Union Health Ministry, along with state authorities, is required to complete consultations within one week, followed by prompt implementation within the subsequent two weeks.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra passed these directions while hearing the suo motu petition that it initiated in the wake of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal on August 9.
Also Read:Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Doctors to continue nationwide protest, outpatient services hit