Doctors Nationwide Strike Over Safety Concerns

In response to the rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student in Kolkata, healthcare professionals across India, organized by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), engaged in a nationwide strike, halting outpatient department (OPD) services in both government and private hospitals. The protest affected numerous patients who were left without care, particularly in states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, where thousands struggled to access necessary medical services. While emergency services continued, many patients reported significant distress, having traveled long distances for treatment only to find no doctors available. The IMA and various healthcare organizations are advocating for the implementation of the Central Protection Act to ensure the safety of medical professionals. The strike also highlights broader concerns about violence against healthcare workers and the urgent need for better protective measures. Doctors are calling for immediate government action to provide a safer working environment, reflecting deep-seated frustrations within the medical community.