Mizoram Doctors Join Nationwide Protest Over Kolkata Medic Tragedy

Healthcare services in Mizoram crippled as doctors join a nation-wide protest demanding justice for the alleged rape and murder of a medic in Kolkata. Non-essential medical services were suspended, and emergency units remained operational. Students of Zoram Medical College also joined the protest with a candle night vigil.

Healthcare services in Mizoram were severely affected as doctors across the state joined a nationwide protest demanding justice for the alleged rape and murder of a medic in Kolkata, according to an official statement.

Services at the out-patient department (OPD) and non-essential units were suspended in all state-run hospitals, private facilities, and church-run medical establishments, confirmed Dr. John Zohmingthanga, president of the Indian Medical Association Mizoram state branch.

In addition to the OPD, all private clinics were shut down in protest against the said crime. Only emergency services and blood banks remained operational across the state, the official noted. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) announced a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency medical services starting at 6 am on August 17 to protest the incident.

Meanwhile, students from Zoram Medical College (ZMC), the state's lone medical institution, staged a candle night vigil and procession at Falkawn near Aizawl on Friday night in solidarity against the tragic incident at a health facility in West Bengal.

The incident involved the alleged rape and murder of a woman post-graduate trainee doctor in the seminar room of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. A civic volunteer was arrested the following day in connection with the crime.

(With inputs from agencies.)