Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: IMA pens to PM Modi, seeks intervention

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Saturday (August 17) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought his intervention in the rape-murder case of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The IMA also put forth some solutions and demands to the Prime Minister and said that his taking note of the situation will “give confidence to not only women doctors but also to every woman in workplace”. The letter to PM Modi was written by IMA national president Dr RV Asokan and Honorary Secretary General Dr Anilkumar J Nayak.

In the letter, the IMA also mentioned the vandalism at the hospital on August 14 night where the crime took place on August 9 and raised concerns over the safety of doctors inside hospitals and campuses.

“On 15th August 2024, the hospital was vandalised by a large crowd which destroyed various sections of the hospital including the area where the victim was found. Doctors especially women are vulnerable to violence because of the nature of the profession. It is for the authorities to provide for the safety of doctors inside hospitals and campuses,” the letter stated.

The IMA said that the Kolkata incident has brought to the fore two dimensions of violence in the hospital – “a crime of barbaric scale due to the lack of safe spaces for women and the hooliganism



that is unleashed due to lack of an organised security protocol”.

“Doctors across the country have withdrawn non-essential services today and are providing only emergency and causality services,” it said.

The Association also put forth solutions and demands to the Prime Minister to ensure women’s safety.

1. A Central Act incorporating the amendments of 2020 in the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 into the draft “The Healthcare Services Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property Bill 2019)” would strengthen the existing 25 state legislations.

2. The security protocols of all hospitals should be no less than an airport. Declaring the hospitals as safe zones with mandatory security entitlements is the first step. CCTVs, deployment of security personnel and the protocols can follow.

3. The 36 hours duty shift that the victim was in and the lack of safe spaces to rest and adequate rest rooms warrant thorough overhaul of the working and living conditions of the resident doctors.

4. Meticulous and professional investigation of the crime in a timeframe and rendering of justice.

5. Appropriate and dignified compensation to the bereaved family commensurate with the cruelty inflicted.