NEW DELHI: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding immediate intervention in the ongoing rape and murder of a postgraduate (PG) trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The resident doctors across the nation continue to protest against the Kolkata doctor rape and murder case.

The doctors appealed to the prime minister for immediate intervention and said “around 60% of Indian doctors are women and the percentage is as high as 68% in the dental profession, 85% in nursing, and 75% in physiotherapy”.

Non-essential services and Outpatient departments (OPDs) at several government hospitals remained closed on Sunday. The doctors, however, have been providing only emergency and casualty services, the letter read.

On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor's body was found in the hospital's seminar hall. Although the Kolkata police force started investigating on the matter, on August 13, the Calcutta High Court directed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which began its investigation on August 14, take over the case from the Kolkata Police.

Following this on August 15, the hospital was vandalised by a large mob. Hospital facilities were destroyed and a bike was set on fire leaving several injured.

Also read Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder: To these medical students, the loss of ‘bhalo didi’ is deeply personal

IMA’s solutions and demands

The IMA has put forward the following solutions and demands:

• A central act incorporating the amendments that would strengthen the existing 25 state legislations.

• The security protocols across the hospital should be no less than the airport. Installation of CCTVs, deployment of security personnel, and protocols should be followed.

• Improvement in living spaces and adequate restroom facilities.

• Professional investigation of the crime in the timeframe.

• Appropriate compensation to the bereaved family.