Doctors across Manipur have joined the nationwide protest led by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to condemn the horrific rape and murder of a postgraduate student from RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata on August 9.
The protest, which commenced at 6 am on Saturday, saw a unified withdrawal of patient care services across hospitals, healthcare centers, and clinics, including prominent institutions like RIMS, JNIMS, Shija Hospitals, Raj Medicity, and others. This withdrawal, encompassing OPD services and elective surgeries, continued until 6 am on Sunday.
The protest also included sit-in demonstrations at various hospitals and healthcare institutions across Manipur, symbolising the unity and resolve of the medical fraternity in demanding justice and systemic reforms to safeguard healthcare professionals, especially women.
Dr Deksha Sinha, a student at Shija Hospitals in Imphal, expressed profound outrage over the incident, labeling it a gross violation of individual and institutional integrity.
Deksha said, “It’s not just about her (the victim) but about every woman in India who faces such atrocities across different regions.”
Highlighting the broader concerns for safety and security within the medical community, she highlighted the crucial role of female doctors and their imperative need for protection. “We demand safety and security for all female doctors, who are indispensable to our healthcare system, tirelessly saving lives and enhancing public health,” she added.
Secretary of IMA, Manipur, Dr S Gautam echoed these sentiments, emphasising that while emergency services have been maintained during the strike, the protest aims to highlight the critical nature of public healthcare services, not for personal gain but for the welfare of all. However, he cautioned that if justice is not promptly served, more stringent measures may be inevitable.
RIMS’ doctors stage sit-in, halt services
(PHOTO: IFP)
Doctors and students of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, on Saturday carried out a protest demonstration in front of RIMS Hospital OPD against the fatal assault on a Post Graduate student on duty at RG Kar Medical College, West Bengal.
RIMS Resident Doctors Association (RDA) organised the protest extending solidarity to the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Headquarters’ call for nationwide withdrawal of service (OPD and elective surgeries) from 6:00 am of Saturday to 6:00 am of Sunday, RIMS stated in a press release.
Protestors said that they will continue the agitation until justice is delivered, it stated. They also displayed various placards demanding justice for the victim, safety for the health care workers, central protection act and more.
It further extended solidarity to RG Kar College in fighting for justice. The protest also saw participation from members of TAMOA and senior members of Indian Medical Association, Manipur State Branch, RIMS said.
Meanwhile, doctors and students of Dental College, RIMS, Imphal also staged a sit-in also condemning the brutal killing of the young Post Graduate Trainee at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, it added.
