Angered by last night’s attack and vandalism during the doctors’ demonstration in Kolkata, FORDA (Federation of Resident Doctors Association) has announced to go on strike again. The Resident Doctors Association called off its strike two days ago after meeting Union Health Minister JP Nadda in Delhi.
Following the attack during the demonstration, FORDA issued a statement on Thursday saying that the manner in which the attacks were carried out in West Bengal last night has once again raised questions about the safety of doctors. After this Ford has decided to go on strike again.
FORDA ended the strike
On 13 August, a FORDA delegation in Delhi announced the end of the strike after meeting Union Health Minister JP Nadda, which was strongly opposed by other medical associations and organizations in the country.
After outrage from medical bodies, FORDA was split on its decision. However, after the rape-murder cases in West Bengal came to light, Forda was the first to announce a strike.
IMA has condemned the incident
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has condemned the incident of attack and vandalism on demonstrators in Kolkata. The IMA has called an emergency meeting with its state branches to decide on the next course of action following the incident. Unidentified miscreants entered the premises of Kolkata’s Government RG Kar Medical College after midnight on Thursday and vandalized parts of it.
The IMA said officials are again failing to maintain law and order at a time when the alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Earlier this investigation was being conducted by the Kolkata Police, but later the Kolkata High Court handed over this investigation to the CBI.
Fighting during the protest yesterday
The protest by doctors of RG Kar Medical College turned serious last night when a group of outsiders forcibly entered the hospital premises. In its statement, the IMA said that the goons ransacked the medical college, which has become the subject of debate across the country due to incidents of rape and murder in the last one week. The association said the IMA condemns this senseless violence and is concerned about the destruction of vital evidence.
On the other hand, according to the Kolkata Police, a group of about 40 people entered the hospital premises as protesters and damaged property. Also pelted heavy stones on the policemen. After this, tear gas shells were fired by policemen to disperse the crowd.
Police said that the police vehicle present at the spot and some two-wheelers were damaged in the incident. Several police officers were also injured in the violence.
