RG Kar Case: Resident Doctors End Strike Nationwide, But Protests Continue in West Bengal

Protests by resident doctors across India ended on Thursday after major doctors’ associations called off their 11-day strike following an appeal by the Supreme Court. The strike was initiated in response to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.

Despite the nationwide resumption of services, junior doctors in West Bengal, the epicentre of the protests, have vowed to continue their strike, citing the lack of justice for the victim. “We will continue our ceasework until justice is served. The Supreme Court focused on resuming services but did not address the justice aspect,” one protesting doctor stated.

In Delhi, doctors at AIIMS, RML, LNJP and Maulana Azad Medical College ended their strike, which began on August 12. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) expressed gratitude to all supporters and urged resident doctors to return to work.

The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) also announced an end to the strike, acknowledging the Supreme Court’s directions on improving hospital security. “FAIMA has decided to call off the strike after the positive steps taken by the Chief Justice of India. We will continue our legal fight for justice,” the association posted on X.

The strike’s conclusion brings relief to patients who had faced challenges accessing regular medical care, although emergency services had remained operational.

In Uttar Pradesh, resident doctors resumed work, citing the Supreme Court’s assurances, while in Chandigarh, doctors at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) also ended their protest. Jaipur resident doctors in Rajasthan followed suit after a meeting on Thursday evening.

Earlier, the Supreme Court strongly criticised the Kolkata Police for delaying the registration of the FIR in the trainee doctor’s unnatural death.

The court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, stressed that both doctors and judges deal with life and liberty, making it impossible for them to strike. The court also issued directives to central and state governments to enhance healthcare worker safety.