RG Kar Case: FAIMA postpones nationwide strike after Bengal Govt calls for meeting

New Delhi: After the West Bengal government invited various doctors’ associations for an emergency meeting to seek a resolution today, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has decided to postpone its nationwide shutdown of elective services in hospitals in solidarity with the protesting junior doctors who are on indefinite hunger strike since October 5. 

The association had originally called for the shutdown of elective services in hospitals across India on October 14. The decision was taken after a meeting of FAIMA on Saturday. In this regard, an open letter was addressed to National Medical Associations, state Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) and Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) from various medical colleges and institutes of national importance.

However, after the Chief Secretary of West Bengal called for an emergency meeting today, the association has decided to postpone the nationwide boycott of elective services to October 15. 

In a recently updated press release, the association mentioned "We have received a status report from the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, which we are currently reviewing in detail and preparing a response. Multiple medical associations and RDAs have come together and agreed to hold nationwide, unified demonstrations in support of the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front (WBJDF).  The majority of RDAs have reached out to the executive body of FAIMA, with a request to postpone the day of initiation of the boycott of services to 15th October, so that all RDAs of the country can initiate in unity."

Also read- RG Kar Case: Junior doctors' hunger strike enters 10th day, Govt calls for meeting

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, FAIMA Chairman Dr Rohan Krishnan said, "We have decided to postpone the shutdown till the emergency meeting is over. Afterwards, a review meeting will be held with the associated doctors, the West Bengal government and the stakeholders. If the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front (WBJDF) is not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting with the government, we will take a call for action and the nationwide shutdown of elective services will take place accordingly."

Junior doctors have been on fast-unto-death since October 5 demanding justice for the deceased woman medic at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital besides addressing other issues. Three doctors have been hospitalised after their health condition deteriorated due to fasting.

Standing in full solidarity with the junior doctors, the association in their open letter stated, “After exhaustive discussions, we have unanimously decided that it is time to unite on a national scale. We had given an ultimatum for escalation to the Chief Minister of West Bengal in a previous letter, however, no satisfactory action has been seen, compelling us to request all RDAs and medical associations across the country to join us in our call for a shutdown of elective services across the country, commencing Monday.” 

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly. We are aware of the implications this has for the general public, and it pains us to consider any action that might cause them distress. But our voices have been ignored, our safety compromised, and our appeals dismissed by the government for long. We cannot afford to lose another colleague to violence or neglect. The apathy of the government has left us with no other choice. It is with a heavy heart but steadfast determination that we ask all RDAs to convene immediate general body meetings and urge you to join us in solidarity with the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front," it added. 

“However, we request all RDAs and associations to keep emergency facilities open 24×7, since patients who need our urgent service must not suffer,” reads the letter. 

Also read- Fast-unto-Death Protest: Junior doctor condition deteriorates, hospitalised