The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has declared a 24-hour nationwide suspension of non-emergency services, beginning at 6 a.m. on August 17, in response to the alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at the State-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, and the subsequent vandalism at the facility. The IMA is demanding stringent action against the culprits and enhanced security for healthcare workers. The protest is expected to disrupt outpatient departments, elective surgeries, and diagnostic services across the country, while emergency services will remain operational. The incident has led to widespread outrage among the medical community, with doctors staging demonstrations and seeking justice for their colleague. The government has promised strict action and measures to prevent future occurrences of such incidents.
