Principal Resigns Amid Nationwide Doctors' Strike Over Trainee's Death

Sandip Ghosh resigned as principal of RG Kar Medical College amidst a nationwide strike led by FORDA, following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. The strike demands a CBI investigation and other protective measures, affecting hospitals across India with demonstrations and continued emergency services.

Sandip Ghosh resigned as principal of Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Monday amid a nationwide strike by the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. Speaking to reporters, Dr. Ghosh claimed he was being defamed on social media and said the deceased doctor was "like his daughter."

"I am getting defamed on social media. It is not good. The deceased doctor was like my daughter. As a parent, I resign. I don't like that this should happen to anyone in future," Dr. Ghosh told reporters in Kolkata. FORDA has called for a nationwide strike demanding justice and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death.

Doctors held demonstrations outside hospitals nationwide, including Lok Nayak Hospital and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi. FORDA General Secretary Sarvesh Pandey stated that protests will continue until their demands are met, with about 3 lakh doctors participating in the strike.

Doctors are demanding a CBI inquiry into the case, a fast-track court, and the formation of a committee to implement the Central Protection Act in all hospitals. FORDA India President Dr. Aviral Mathur urged everyone to condemn the incident, emphasizing that emergency services are still operational for patient convenience.

"Everyone should condemn this incident. We will call off the strike when our demands are addressed, as we don't want patients to suffer. Emergency services are ongoing for patient convenience. Our organization is in constant touch with the ministry. We have full faith that our demands will be fulfilled," Dr. Mathur said. In response to the proposed indefinite strike, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi issued an order for all HoDs to submit action plans to minimize patient care disruptions.

A post-graduate trainee doctor was found raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and protests. Kolkata police have summoned three junior doctors and one house staff member who were on duty the night of the incident. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)