IMA Karnataka Joins Nationwide Protest for Justice in Rape and Murder of Kolkata Doctor

Members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Karnataka protested against the rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata. They demanded justice, a central law for doctor safety, and better working conditions. Over 1,000 doctors in Bengaluru participated, halting OPD services statewide but maintaining emergency services.

In a powerful show of unity, members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Karnataka joined a nationwide protest on Saturday, condemning the rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata.

The doctors marched across various parts of the southern state, seeking justice for the 31-year-old trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and killed in a Kolkata hospital. More than 1,000 doctors participated in the agitation at the IMA office in Chamarajpet, Bengaluru.

IMA Karnataka unit president Srinivasa S declared that all branches across Karnataka would remain shut, suspending OPD services. He emphasized that their demand was for justice and a central law to safeguard doctors. Other demands included safe zones, restrooms, and the installation of CCTV cameras in hospitals, along with the deployment of police personnel to ensure security.

The Karnataka government responded by suspending the leaves of medical officers and surgeons, ensuring that emergency services remained unaffected. The Health and Family Welfare Department issued a circular to maintain essential services, emphasizing the significance of uninterrupted emergency care.

(With inputs from agencies.)