The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) announced on Thursday that the strike was called off following assurances from the Supreme Court, which had urged medical professionals nationwide to “trust us” and return to their duties.
![[Kolkata Doctor's Rape and Murder]"Trust Us, Return To Work": Delhi AIIMS Doctors' Body Ended Two-week Strike After Supreme Court's Request](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-2024-08-22T170536.964.png?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1)
NEW DELHI: Today (22nd Aug): Resident doctors at AIIMS in Delhi have ended their nearly two-week strike, which was sparked by the alleged rape and murder of a fellow doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital earlier this month.
The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) announced on Thursday that the strike was called off following assurances from the Supreme Court, which had urged medical professionals nationwide to “trust us” and return to their duties.
The RDA (AIIMS) stated,
“In the interest of the nation and in the spirit of public service, we have decided to end the 11-day strike. This decision follows the Supreme Court’s appeal and direction. We sincerely thank the Supreme Court for recognizing the RG Kar Medical College incident and addressing the larger issue of healthcare workers’ safety across the country.”
The RDA also mentioned that there would be no punitive measures against the protesting doctors.
“We will continue to advocate for the rights and safety of healthcare workers by engaging with various authorities and ministries,”
the RDA affirmed.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court urged the protesting doctors to return to work, emphasizing that their absence could impact lakhs of patients in need.
“We earnestly request all doctors to trust us. We are here to ensure your safety and protection, which is why we have not left the matter to the Calcutta High Court,”
said a bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud.
The RDA emphasized that the decision was made in the “interest of the nation” and to honor the Supreme Court’s appeal, while also expressing gratitude to the court for addressing both the RG Kar Medical College incident and the broader issue of healthcare workers’ safety.
The association also confirmed that no punitive measures would be taken against the protesting doctors.
Additionally, the RDA reiterated its commitment to advocating for the safety and rights of healthcare workers through ongoing engagement with various authorities and ministries.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had expressed concern that the ongoing strike could severely impact patients in need of urgent care, with Chief Justice DY Chandrachud appealing to doctors to resume their duties while assuring them of the court’s commitment to ensuring their protection.
The Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognizance of the junior doctor’s brutal rape and murder, discovered on August 9, which has ignited public outrage over crimes against women and the safety of medical professionals.
The incident has also led to political clashes, with Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee facing criticism from opposition parties and even from within her own ranks, including calls for her resignation. The Calcutta High Court has questioned the state government’s handling of the case, including delays in filing a police report and the reassignment of hospital chief Dr. Sandip Ghosh just hours after he resigned on moral grounds.
