Agartala, August 17, 2024 — In a coordinated response to the Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) nationwide protest, doctors and hospital staff across Tripura have suspended outpatient department (OPD) services to demand justice for the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College. The strike, which began at 6 AM on August 17 and continues until 6 AM on August 18, saw both private and government medical facilities halting non-essential services.
Emergency services remain operational throughout the protest. Healthcare professionals across the state participated in demonstrations, denouncing the violent crime and urging for the perpetrator’s arrest. Dr. Damodar Chatterjee, President of the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) Teachers Forum and former IMA Tripura Branch president, described the incident as “barbaric” and stressed the need for urgent action.
“We stand in solidarity with the victim by halting all non-essential services for 24 hours. While OPD services are paused, emergency care continues. We are also organizing a protest rally in Agartala to advocate for stricter laws and swift justice,” Dr. Chatterjee stated.
Dr. Shankar Chakraborty, Medical Superintendent of G.B. Pant Hospital, expressed strong condemnation of the crime. “This atrocity must be met with the severest penalties. Although we have ceased all non-essential services, emergency care is unaffected. We demand prompt and decisive action against the offenders.”
The AGMC Teachers Forum, Students Forum, IMA Tripura State Branch, and other medical institutions statewide have united in the protest, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures and justice for healthcare workers.