IMA Backs West Bengal Doctors' Protest; Over 50 RG Kar Faculty Resign Amid Calls for Justice and Reforms

Resident doctors have stressed that they will not back down until their demands are met, calling for an end to what they describe as an atmosphere of fear and intimidation within medical institutions.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has extended full support to the ongoing protests by doctors in West Bengal, with more than 50 faculty members of RG Kar Medical College resigning in solidarity. The protest, driven by calls for justice for Abhaya, a doctor who was raped and murdered at the institution, has seen resident doctors resort to an indefinite hunger strike, escalating the situation and drawing nationwide attention.

The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has announced a nationwide boycott of elective medical services starting October 15, supporting the ongoing protests by doctors in West Bengal. 

IMA National President Dr. R V Asokan visited Kolkata on October 11, 2024, in a show of support. Accompanied by IMA Bengal State President Dr. Dilip Kumar Dutta and State Secretary Dr. Santanu Set, Dr. Asokan met with doctors on the ground, engaging with those on hunger strike at a pandal in Esplanade. He also visited RG Kar Medical College to check on the health of Dr. Aniket Mahato, one of the protestors admitted to the ICU, and expressed IMA’s concerns over the worsening situation.

During his interactions, Dr. Asokan listened to the grievances and demands of the resident doctors, who highlighted their fears over safety and the pervasive "threat culture" in medical colleges. The doctors presented a list of 10 demands to the IMA, which include calls for swift justice for Abhaya through a transparent investigation, the removal of the Health Secretary over alleged administrative failures, and improved safety measures across hospitals and medical colleges. Key demands also include setting up digital bed vacancy monitors, forming task forces with elected junior doctor representatives, increasing police protection in hospitals, and conducting elections for student unions to ensure fair representation in decision-making processes.

Following his meetings, Dr. Asokan addressed the gathering of doctors, commending their resolve and reiterating IMA's commitment to their cause. He appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to urgently address the demands, cautioning that a lack of action could lead to further disruptions in the state’s healthcare services. "The demands put forward by the doctors are practical and necessary for ensuring safety, transparency, and accountability," said Dr. Asokan, calling on the state government to prioritize the wellbeing of medical professionals.

Meanwhile, the IMA Action Committee has convened twice to strategize a comprehensive action plan to support the West Bengal doctors. The committee, which includes members from the IMA’s Junior Doctors Network (JDN) and Medical Students Network (MSN), is coordinating with various Resident Doctors' Associations (RDAs) across the country to amplify the message and ensure nationwide solidarity.

The resignation of faculty members from RG Kar Medical College has intensified the pressure on the state government, as doctors across West Bengal continue their protests. Resident doctors have stressed that they will not back down until their demands are met, calling for an end to what they describe as an atmosphere of fear and intimidation within medical institutions. The situation remains critical, with the IMA and other medical organizations preparing for further action if the state government does not take prompt and decisive measures to address the concerns of the healthcare community.