A wave of outrage over the alleged rape and murder of a second-year trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata has led to a nationwide doctors’ strike in India. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour withdrawal of services by doctors, starting from 6 am on Saturday, August 17, and ending at 6 am on Sunday, August 18. Only emergency services will remain operational during this period.
The strike, which has garnered widespread support from medical professionals across the country, aims to highlight the safety concerns of doctors and demand justice for the victim. The Faculty Association of AIIMS (FAIMS) in Delhi has also announced the suspension of routine OPD and operation theatre services on Saturday in solidarity with the protesting doctors. Doctors at Safdarjung and RML hospitals in Delhi will hold a silent protest march, sporting black ribbons, to show their support.
Meanwhile, on the international front, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Israel on Saturday, August 17, to advance efforts towards securing a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, as well as facilitate the release of hostages from Gaza. During his visit, Blinken will emphasize the critical need for all parties in the region to avoid escalation.
In other news, the central government of India has cut the windfall tax on petroleum crude to ₹ 2,100 per metric ton from ₹ 4,600 per ton, effective August 17. There will be no windfall tax on export of diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). This decision comes after the windfall tax on crude was lowered by 34.2 per cent to ₹ 4,600 per tonne on July 31.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notices to the state government and others, seeking their reply in 24 hours on the strike called by doctors on August 17. The court is responding to a petition filed by Anshul Tiwari, challenging the strike. The petition highlights the potential disruption to healthcare services during the strike.
In a separate development, US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will visit India from August 17 to advance and support a prosperous, secure, and resilient future for both countries. Verma will lead a US delegation to India to meet senior government officials, climate leaders, aerospace academics, and industry representatives to advance the US-Indian partnership on a full range of issues, including economic development, clean energy and climate action, and STEM education.
