IMA declares nationwide doctors’ strike on 17 June

June 14:  In the backdrop of massive protests across the country over the attack on a  doctor at a hospital in Kolkata, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide doctors’ strike on 17 June. As per an official release issued by the IMA, it was stated that 3.5 lakh doctors will take part in the nationwide strike on Monday. The IMA said all non-essential services including OPDs will be withdrawn for 24 hours from 6 am on June 17, while emergency and causality services will continue to function.

Meanwhile, the strike of doctors in Kolkata has entered on 4th day. A very ugly war of words could be witnessed between the authorities and the agitating doctors. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has also been apprised. Harsh Vardhan urged West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to intervene personally and ensure secure working environment for the doctors.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abesh Banerjee, who is a medical student, on Friday came out in support of the protesting doctors at the state-run hospitals. Banerjee, whose Facebook bio describes him as the President of KPC Medical College and Hospital, was seen at a rally holding a placard that read: “You say we are Gods!! Why Treat us like Dogs?”

On the flip side, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asked agitating junior doctors across the state to resume work within four hours and warned them of action if the order is not followed. She directed police to vacate hospital premises, asserting that no one other than the patients should be allowed on the campus.

RV Asokan, Secretary General of IMA said, “IMA condemns the recent incident of violence against Dr Paribaha Mukherjee who was brutally attacked by a violent mob at NRS Medical College, Kolkata and demands an exemplary action by the state government. All the legitimate demands of the resident doctors in West Bengal should be accepted unconditionally.”

In an official statement issued by IMA, it was stated that, “IMA condemns the recent incident of violence against Dr Paribaha Mukherjee who was brutally attacked by a violent mob at NRS Medical College, Kolkata and demands an exemplary action by the state government. All the legitimate demands of the resident doctors in West Bengal should be accepted unconditionally.”