Kolkata rape-murder: Doctors announce nationwide hunger strike, black ribbon protest on October 9-10

NEW DELHI: “Justice delayed is justice denied” - Doctors associations have announced a nationwide hunger strike in protest against the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor in West Bengal. The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and National Federation of Resident Doctors (NAFORD) of AIIMS and INIs have announced that the strike will begin on October 9, which will be two-months after the Kolkata doctor rape-murder incident happened on August 9.

"We have been in close contact with the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front and are united in our stance," said Suvrankar Datta, President of FAIMA. "After extensive deliberation, we have decided to organise a nationwide hunger strike in solidarity with our colleagues in West Bengal, Datta said.

Datta also emphasised that the hunger strike is intended to amplify the voices of the junior doctors who have been on strike for weeks, advocating for better working conditions, enhanced safety protocols, and other essential reforms.

The doctors' association has also called on healthcare workers across the country to participate in the strike, to highlight unity among medical professionals in their fight for fair treatment and improved conditions, FAIMA said in a statement.

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“Profoundly troubled by the delayed response and the apparent lack of accountability”, NAFORD expressed its support for the “courageous decision” to initiate hunger strike. After a recent core committee meeting, NAFORD will also join “a powerful and peaceful form of protest that highlights the urgency of the matter”.

“Furthermore, NAFORD will not tolerate any retaliatory actions or punitive measures against the resident doctors of West Bengal for exercising their right to protest and demand justice. Any such actions will only strengthen our resolve and will be met with an equally strong response from our nationwide community,” it added.

NAFORD will stage protests on October 9 in various forms such as “wearing black ribbons while working, to symbolize collective mourning and protest against the injustice; forming human chains to visually represent solidarity and strength; organizing candlelight marches to honour the victim and demand swift justice; and a token of Hunger strike, in solidarity with our colleagues in West Bengal”.

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UDFA to organise black ribbon protest

Following this, the United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) this morning also announced that it will stand in solidarity with the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front (WBJDF) and will organise a black ribbon protest to raise awareness and systemic challenges faced by the healthcare professionals. The UDFA has tabled four demands.

Immediate Justice for Abhaya -Ensure swift and fair legal proceedings for the doctor tragically murdered two months ago.

Enhanced Safety Measures - Urgent implementation of stronger safety protocols in all healthcare institutions to protect doctors and medical professionals from violence.

Eradication of Intimidation - Enforce zero tolerance for threats and harassment of healthcare workers.

Healthcare Reforms - Accelerate healthcare reforms to improve the working conditions and security of doctors and patients alike.