Kolkata Doc’s Rape & Murder: AIIMS Doctors Call Off 11-Day Strike

New Delhi: AIIMS doctors on Thursday called off their 11-day strike over the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College.

The decision, announced by Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) at AIIMS Delhi, followed the Supreme Court’s appeal and direction to the Central government to ensure the safety of doctors.

“In the interest of the nation and in the spirit of public service, the RDA at AIIMS, New Delhi, has decided to call off the 11-day strike. This decision comes in response to the Supreme Court’s appeal and direction. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Supreme Court for taking cognizance of the RG Kar Medical College incident and addressing the broader issue of safety and security for healthcare workers across the country,” read RDA’s statement.

RDA’s general secretary Dr Raghunandan Dixit said that the Supreme Court’s intervention provided some relief.

“We were on strike for the past 11 days. After that, the Court intervened twice. It did provide us with some relief. The High Court fulfilled our first demand and transferred the case to the CBI. The second time, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance and considered the case. Comprehensive discussions were held… Seeing all of this, the AIIMS general body has decided to call off our strike, but our protest and struggle for justice and for the safety of healthcare workers will continue… All our doctors will rejoin duty today itself,” Dixit told ANI.

What the Supreme Court said

The top court said the protesting doctors must resume duty because the country’s poor people can’t be left in the lurch.

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra, was hearing a batch of petitions related to the brutal crime that has triggered a wave of endless protest not only in Kolkata but across the country.

Responding to a submission that doctors are being marked absent because they are on protest, the CJI made the court’s stand very clear.

“If they are on duty, they will not be marked absent and if they are not on duty, then law will be followed. Ask them to first return to work, no one will take adverse action against any doctor. If there is difficulty after that, then come to us, but let them first report to work,” Justice Chandrachud said.

Also Read: Why Delay In Securing Crime Scene Of Kolkata Rape And Murder, Asks SC