Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder: AIIMS Doctors End 11-Day Strike After Supreme Court’s Appeal

New Delhi: The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) at Delhi’s AIIMS has called off its nearly two-week-long strike in response to assurances from the Supreme Court. The protest, triggered by the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, came to an end following the Court’s appeal for trust and resumption of duties.

In a statement released on Thursday, the RDA acknowledged the Supreme Court’s intervention and its directive for doctors to return to work. The Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, had urged medical professionals nationwide to resume their duties, emphasizing that continued absences could impact patient care.

The RDA expressed appreciation for the Court’s proactive stance on the RG Kar Hospital incident, which has intensified concerns about the safety of healthcare workers. The Supreme Court has also established a 10-member task force to recommend measures for preventing violence against medical professionals and ensuring their safety. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been tasked with providing a status report on the investigation, while the Bengal government has been instructed to report on recent vandalism at the hospital.

The brutal crime has also sparked political controversy in Bengal, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee facing criticism from both opposition parties and allies. The Calcutta High Court has questioned why immediate police action was not taken and why the hospital chief received a new appointment shortly after resigning.