Bhubaneswar, (Repoterspen), Aug 17: Healthcare services in Odisha were significantly disrupted on Saturday as doctors across the state participated in a nationwide protest. The demonstration was organized by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in response to the rape and murder of a colleague at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Over 6,000 IMA members joined the protest, causing the closure of outpatient departments, elective surgeries, and laboratory services in both government and private hospitals. The 24-hour strike is set to continue until 6 a.m. on Sunday.
The protesting doctors are not only demanding justice for their murdered colleague but also calling for central legislation to ensure the safety and security of healthcare workers. They have vowed to persist with their protest until these demands are met.
State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling has been in contact with various doctors’ associations, urging them to resume work to ensure healthcare services are available to those in need.
The Odisha Medical College Teachers’ Association (OMTA) condemned the violence against their colleague and expressed solidarity with the protest. They extended condolences to the victim’s family and demanded better safety measures for medical professionals.
The impact of the strike was visible at major state-run hospitals, including SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, and VIMSAR-Burla, among others.
