Doctors’ Strike Continues as Talks with Health Ministry Fail to Yield Resolution

The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) announced on Monday that their indefinite strike will continue after a meeting with officials from the Union health ministry failed to bring about a resolution. The strike was called in response to the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, leading to the suspension of elective services, including OPDs and non-emergency surgeries, across government hospitals nationwide.

Despite extensive discussions with the Union health minister’s team, no concrete solution was reached, prompting FORDA to extend the strike. Dr. Aviral Mathur, President of FORDA, confirmed that the strike would persist into Tuesday, with emergency services continuing to operate.

FORDA’s demands include immediate action on the concerns raised by residents at RG Kar Medical College, assurances against police brutality, respectful treatment of protesting doctors, and swift justice and compensation for the family of the deceased. The association also urged the Union government to implement comprehensive security measures for healthcare workers in all hospitals and called for the establishment of an expert committee to expedite the ratification of the Central Healthcare Protection Act.