OPD Services on Road as AIIMS Delhi Doctors’ Strike continues over Kolkata Rape-Murder Case

The AIIMS RDA announced that it will offer elective OPD services in 36 specialties to patients outside Nirman Bhawan from 11 am. The protesting doctors have been advocating for justice for the victim and calling for a security act for medical personnel. They have urged Prime Minister Modi to address the subsequent vandalism at a state-run hospital in Kolkata and the increasing violence against doctors, healthcare workers, and medical institutions across the country. The doctors emphasized the growing incidents of violence against healthcare professionals, especially women.

The Union health ministry had previously assured the protesting doctors of taking all necessary steps to ensure their safety. On August 17, the Ministry announced that it will establish a committee to propose measures for enhancing the safety of healthcare professionals. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has taken up the rape-murder case, and a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud is scheduled to hear the matter on Tuesday. The body of a postgraduate trainee doctor was discovered in the seminar hall of a state-run hospital in Kolkata on August 9, leading to nationwide protests.

The following day, a civic volunteer was arrested in connection with the crime.