On August 17th, 2024, radiologists across India participated in a nationwide strike to protest the horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata. The strike, organized by the Indian Radiological & Imaging Association (IRIA), aimed to express outrage and demand justice for the victim. This tragic incident, which occurred on August 9th, 2024, sent shockwaves through the medical community, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of healthcare professionals.
The IRIA, along with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), condemned the crime in the strongest terms. Dr. V.N. Varaprasad, President of IRIA, expressed deep concern, stating, “This is a black day in the history of the medical profession. The fact that a lady doctor could be raped and murdered within a hospital’s premises is beyond belief. We stand united in our demand for justice.”
The strike commenced at 6:00 AM on August 17th and continued until 6:00 AM on August 18th, 2024, during which all radiological modalities were shut down. The IRIA urged its members to participate in the protest, register their dissent, and ensure wide media coverage of the event to highlight the gravity of the situation. The association emphasized that the strike was not just an expression of anger but also a call to action to improve safety measures for healthcare workers.
Dr. L. Murali Krishna, Secretary General of IRIA, also voiced his support for the strike, saying, “The time has come for all radiologists to show their solidarity and strength. We must ensure that such a heinous act never occurs again, and that justice is served for our fallen colleague.” The IRIA’s call for a strike was widely supported by radiologists across the country, who joined hands with the IMA to demand swift action from the authorities.
The medical community is urging the government to take immediate steps to enhance security in hospitals and ensure the safety of all healthcare professionals, particularly women. As the nation mourns the loss of a young doctor who dedicated her life to serving others, the IRIA and other medical associations continue to stand firm in their pursuit of justice. The strike serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare workers and the urgent need for systemic changes to protect them from such atrocities in the future.
