The President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called on doctors to return to patient care, urging them to trust the Supreme Court of India to handle the ongoing case related to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar College and Hospital in Kolkata. This appeal comes amid widespread protests by medical professionals demanding justice and enhanced security for healthcare workers.
In a letter issued on September 3, 2024, the IMA President acknowledged the profound impact of the tragic incident on the nation, highlighting the victim’s status as a promising young doctor and the only daughter of a lower-middle-class family. “The sacrifice of the young postgraduate resident of RG Kar has moved the conscience of the nation,” the letter stated, emphasizing that the entire nation has adopted her as their own.
The IMA President underscored the Supreme Court’s role in the matter, noting that the apex court has taken suo motu cognizance of the situation and established a National Task Force to address both the crime and subsequent vandalism. “The Honourable Court has said to the doctors ‘Trust us. Justice and medicine shouldn’t stop’,” the letter added.
The IMA’s call for doctors to resume normal duties follows a 24-hour service withdrawal by medical professionals, which was implemented as a protest against the incident. The case has now been transferred from local police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as per an order from the Calcutta High Court.
Amid these developments, political tensions have escalated, with the BJP calling for the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The ongoing debate highlights the broader issues of security and justice within the healthcare sector.