The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has announced a nationwide shutdown of elective services in solidarity with protesting junior doctors in West Bengal, while ensuring emergency services remain functional. The move, prompted by unaddressed safety concerns, highlights the medical community’s frustration and determination for justice and workplace safety.
West Bengal: In a show of solidarity with the protesting junior doctors in West Bengal, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), which represents Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) across India, has called for a nationwide shutdown of elective services in hospitals starting today, from October 14th. This announcement came after a meeting of FAIMA on Saturday, where the decision was made to escalate the protest nationwide.
Despite the call for a shutdown of elective services, FAIMA has urged all RDAs to ensure that emergency services remain functional 24/7 to minimize the impact on patients requiring urgent medical care.
“After exhaustive discussions, we have unanimously decided that it is time to unite on a national scale,” FAIMA said in a communication on Sunday. The body had previously issued an ultimatum to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, demanding action on the issues raised by the junior doctors in the state, but no satisfactory response was received.
Standing in Solidarity with West Bengal Junior Doctors
FAIMA expressed its full support for the ongoing protest by junior doctors in West Bengal, who have been on a fast-unto-death since October 5, demanding justice for a deceased female doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The protestors have also raised other safety and workplace issues. Tragically, the health of three doctors deteriorated due to the hunger strike, and they have been hospitalized.
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“We cannot afford to lose another colleague to violence or neglect,” the letter emphasized.
“The apathy of the government has left us with no other choice. It is with a heavy heart but steadfast determination that we ask all RDAs to convene immediate general body meetings and urge you to join us in solidarity with the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front.”
Nationwide Shutdown of Elective Services
The communication from FAIMA was addressed to National Medical Associations, state-level RDAs, and RDAs from various medical colleges and institutes of national importance across the country. The body made it clear that while elective services will be suspended, emergency services must continue without disruption.
“However, we request all RDAs and associations to keep emergency facilities open 24×7, since patients who need our urgent service must not suffer,”
FAIMA said in its letter. This delicate balance highlights the sense of responsibility that FAIMA members feel toward the general public, even as they escalate their protests.
A Decision Not Taken Lightly
FAIMA’s letter emphasized that the decision to call for a shutdown of elective services was made after much deliberation.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly. We are aware of the implications this has for the general public, and it pains us to consider any action that might cause them distress,”
the body said.
However, FAIMA underlined that doctors’ concerns about safety and violence in the workplace had been ignored for too long, leaving them with no other choice but to take strong action.
As the junior doctors in West Bengal continue their protest, FAIMA’s nationwide shutdown is a clear signal of the medical community’s frustration and determination to stand up for the safety and dignity of healthcare workers across India.
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