IMA Declares Nationwide 24-Hr Closure of Non-Emergency Services from Aug 17 Morn Against Kolkata Rape-Murder

New Delhi: A 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency services from 6 am on August 17 will be taken up by the medical professionals, declared the Indian Medical Association on Thursday night.

This agitation is to protest against the alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata as well as the subsequent vandalism at the facility.

The IMA stated that during these 24-hours, the essential services will be maintained and casualty wards will remain operational.

Out-patient departments (OPD) will not function and elective surgeries will not be conducted during this period of agitation by the doctors.

“Subsequent to the brutal crime in R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata, and the hooliganism unleashed on the protesting students on the eve of Independence Day (Wednesday night), the Indian Medical Association declares nationwide withdrawal of services by doctors of modern medicine from 6 am on Saturday 17.08.2024 to 6 am Sunday 18.08.2024 for 24 hours,” the statement of the IMA said.