Kerala Doctors Strike Over Kolkata Medical Resident's Tragic Death

In Kerala, non-emergency medical services were halted as doctors and nurses protested the rape and murder of a resident doctor in Kolkata. The Indian Medical Association declared a nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency services, demanding better working conditions and legal protections for healthcare workers.

Non-emergency medical services across Kerala faced significant disruption on Saturday as doctors and nurses staged protests in response to the rape and murder of a resident doctor at a Kolkata hospital.

The protests began after the Indian Medical Association (IMA) announced a 24-hour nationwide suspension of non-emergency services starting from 6 a.m. on August 17. The IMA's demands include improved working and living conditions for resident doctors and the implementation of a central law to curb violence against healthcare professionals at workplaces.

In solidarity, large crowds of healthcare workers assembled outside medical institutions, holding placards and banners seeking justice for the deceased doctor and safety for their colleagues. Similar scenes were reported across various hospitals including the General Hospital in Ernakulam. Only emergency and casualty services remained operational. The body's discovery on August 9 led to the arrest of a civic volunteer, and the Calcutta High Court has mandated a CBI probe into the incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)