IMA announces 24-hour nationwide doctors' strike on August 17

In protest against the violence and vandalism that unfolded at Kolkata's RG Kar hospital in the wee hours of Thursday, services of doctors will be withdrawn across the nation for 24 hours starting at 6 am on Saturday, the Indian Medical Association said on Thursday.

"Subsequent to the brutal crime in RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata and the hooliganism unleashed on the protesting students on the eve of Independence Day, the Indian Medical Association declares nationwide withdrawal of services by doctors of modern medicine from 6 am on Saturday i.e 17th of August to 6 am Sunday



18th of August, for 24 hours", the IMA notification said.

"All essential services will be maintained. Casualties will be manned. Routine OPDs will not function, and elective surgeries will not be conducted. The withdrawal is across all the sectors wherever modern medicine doctors are providing service", it added.

The withdrawal is across all the sectors wherever modern medicine doctors are providing service.

"IMA requires the sympathy of the nation with the just cause of its doctors", the Indian Medical Association said in the notice.