The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has launched a 12-hour nationwide hunger strike today in solidarity with junior doctors in West Bengal who have been protesting since October 5. The doctors are demanding justice for a postgraduate resident doctor who was brutally raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9.

As of today, seven junior doctors remain on hunger strike, with several requiring immediate medical attention. Three protesting doctors, including Aniket Mahato, have been hospitalized so far.

Key Demands:

Justice for the murdered doctor: The IMA and junior doctors are seeking justice for the postgraduate resident doctor who was raped and murdered.

Improved security measures: The doctors are demanding improved security measures in hospitals to prevent such incidents.

Government intervention: The IMA has appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to accept their demands.

Nationwide support: The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has warned of a nationwide shutdown of medical services if any harm is caused to protesting junior doctors.

Similar protests are being held in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and other cities across India. Resident Doctors Associations (RDAs) from various states have extended support. The doctors are demanding improved security measures in hospitals to prevent such incidents. The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) suggests approved medical services if any harm is caused to protesting junior doctors. The IMA is pushing for stronger laws to protect healthcare workers from violence and harassment.

(Input From Various Sources)

(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)