New Delhi: Uniting together to demand justice for abhaya and in solidarity with Bengal's junior resident doctors who are currently on indefinite hunger strike, the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) and the National Federation of Resident Doctors of AIIMS and INIs (NAFORD) have called a nationwide protest and symbolic hunger strike on October 9, 2024.
This comes after some junior resident doctors in Bengal are currently on an indefinite hunger strike due to the delayed justice for the deceased postgraduate trainee doctor who was allegedly brutally raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and the failure to implement safety measures for doctors in their workplace by the government.
In a press release issued by FAIMA, the association expressed concern and solidarity with the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front and emphasized the urgent need for stronger protective measures and central legislation dedicated to safeguarding healthcare professionals.
Also read- West Bengal Junior doctors continue indefinite hunger strike, list 10 demands
"Despite ongoing protests and indefinite hunger strike by junior doctors in West Bengal, it is disheartening to note the West Bengal government's continued insensitivity to the plight of junior doctors. FAIMA stands in complete solidarity with the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front as they persist in their rightful demands to eradicate corruption and end the culture of threats faced by healthcare professionals in the state," mentioned the press release.
After conducting an emergency general meeting on 7th October with RDAs all across the country, the association has called for a Nationwide Protest and Symbolic Hunger Strike on 9th October 2024 as a mark of respect for our fallen colleague and in solidarity with the junior doctors of West Bengal.
It further stated, "We further emphasize that should any harm come to our colleagues in West Bengal, FAIMA will be compelled to escalate our protests, with the full responsibility for any escalation or disruption of services, resting entirely on the shoulders of the West Bengal government."
Similarly, NAFORD issued a letter calling for nationwide protest through symbolic actions like wearing black ribbons, forming human chains, organizing candlelight marches, and engaging in a token hunger strike.
"As goes the famous saying- “Justice delayed is justice denied”. It has been almost 60 days since the deeply disturbing incident involving the rape of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College took place, and yet, justice has not been served. The National Federation of Resident Doctors of AIIMS & INIs (NAFORD) is profoundly troubled by this delayed response and the apparent lack of accountability from the authorities involved. We stand firmly with you in demanding justice for the victim and a safer, more respectful working environment for all healthcare professionals," stated the letter.
NAFORD also called for all Resident Doctors' Associations (RDAs), and other eminent resident doctor associations to join them in the protest tomorrow.
In line with the same demands, the Jaipur Association of Resident Doctors of Sawai Man Singh Medical College have called for the shutdown of elective services in solidarity with the protesting junior doctors in Bengal.
The decision was taken after a general body meeting that only emergency services would remain operational on October 8, 2024. All other services will remain suspended until the demands of the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) are fulfilled.
A press release issued in this regard mentioned, "The SMS Medical College is organizing a strike. An appeal is made to the government to resolve all demands promptly, failing which, starting from October 14, 2024, the ICU services will also be discontinued."
Also read- RG Kar Doctor Rape-Murder Case: Delhi AIIMS doctors to hold candle march on October 9