The central government-run RML Hospital ended its nine-day strike on Tuesday, which was held in protest against the alleged rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor.
The strike was called off following the Centre’s agreement to all the demands put forward by resident doctors across India. Other resident doctors’ associations also welcomed the Supreme Court’s intervention in the case.
The Ministry of Health and the Medical Superintendent’s office have assured that all necessary permissions for enhanced security measures at medical institutions have been secured, with a 45-day timeline set for implementation.
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“The ministry also pledged to tighten security across all central government hospitals and issue advisories to state governments,” The Ram Manohar Lohia Resident Doctors’ Association said in a statement.
The doctors announced that while they have agreed to suspend their strike, they will persist in advocating for justice in the R G Kar case. They will resume their duties from 4 p.m., and there will be no salary deductions for the strike period.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court established a 10-member task force to develop a national protocol aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of doctors, following the rape and murder of a medic in Kolkata. The task force is expected to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months.
Earlier in the day, doctors at the RML raised hailed the SC with slogans like ‘Supreme Court zindabad’.
Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association said, “We welcome the exhaustive session by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and trust their intervention in the larger interest of our fraternity. We will consult with all our stakeholders before making a decision.” Federation of All India Medical Association, or FAIMA, another doctors’ body, said it will also conduct a meeting soon.
“We will update soon. The decision will be made after considering every state RDA’s input and will be based on the majority’s decision,” it said.
Tuesday was the ninth day of the doctors’ strike, which began in response to the murder of a medic in Kolkata. The striking doctors have been calling for a central law to ensure the safety of medical professionals working in hospitals. They are also demanding a swift and transparent investigation by the CBI into the murder and the establishment of a Central Protection Act.