Kolkata Doctor’s Rape-Murder Sparks Outrage: IMA Announces Nationwide Withdrawal of Non-Essential Services on August 17

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide withdrawal of non-essential services by doctors of modern medicine for 24 hours, from 6 am on Saturday, August 17, to 6 am on Sunday, August 18.

This action is being taken as a protest against the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, as well as the violence that followed on August 14, according to a statement by the IMA on August 15.

“All essential services will continue to be maintained, and emergency care will be provided. However, routine outpatient departments (OPDs) will not operate, and elective surgeries will be postponed. This withdrawal applies to all sectors where modern medicine doctors are providing services. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) urges the nation to support the just cause of its doctors,” the statement from the IMA read.