The medical fraternity across the north-eastern states joined a nationwide outcry, condemning the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata.
The tragic incident, which occurred at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, has sparked widespread protests among doctors, trainees, and healthcare workers across the country.
In Manipur, healthcare services were severely disrupted as doctors and trainees from around 36 healthcare centers and hospitals, including Shija Hospital, participated in a day-long sit-in protest.
The protest led to the suspension of Outpatient Department (OPD), Inpatient Department (IPD), Operation Theatre (OT), and diagnostic services. However, emergency services remained operational to cater to critical needs.
Dr. Khundongbam Palin, the Managing Director of Shija Hospital and president of the Association of HealthCare Providers (India) - Manipur Chapter (AHPI), strongly condemned the incident.
Addressing media persons, Dr. Palin said, "The whole medical fraternity of Manipur strongly condemns this inhumane incident. The brutal torture and murder of a lady doctor is a reprehensible act, and we demand justice for the victim."
The protestors, holding placards with messages such as "Safety for Doctors, Safety for All," "Stand with the Medical Fraternity, Stand for Women’s Safety," and "Stop Violence Against Women," called for stricter measures to ensure the safety and security of healthcare professionals, particularly women.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the protest was equally intense, with doctors at several healthcare facilities, including Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences in Naharlagun, Ramakrishna Mission Hospital in Itanagar, and Aalo General Hospital in West Siang district, joining the movement. Routine healthcare services were suspended, with only essential services being operational.
At Tomo Riba Institute, doctors staged a protest in front of the Emergency and Trauma Department, demanding justice for the deceased doctor and her family.
A doctor, speaking anonymously, confirmed that all routine services were shut down for the day in solidarity with the nationwide protest.
Ramakrishna Mission Hospital in Itanagar also saw significant participation, with RKM Secretary Swami Vedasarananda announcing the suspension of outpatient department services and elective surgeries for 24 hours, starting from 6 a.m. on Saturday. "Essential services will continue to operate as usual," he assured.
In Aalo, the protesting doctors demanded enhanced security for healthcare professionals in both government and private sectors. They urged the government to provide round-the-clock security to prevent such incidents from recurring.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Arunachal Pradesh branch also called for the immediate arrest of the culprits involved in the Kolkata incident.
They demanded a speedy trial and maximum punishment for those responsible, while also advocating for the formulation of a central law to protect doctors and other healthcare personnel across the country.
In Nagalad, healthcare services faced significant disruptions on Saturday as medical professionals went on strike in protest of the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
The strike, lasting from 6 am to 6 pm, was organised by the Indian Medical Association Nagaland State Branch (IMANSB), the Nagaland In-Service Doctors' Association (NIDA), and the Indian Dental Association Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB).
The associations suspended all non-emergency services to condemn the violence at the Kolkata hospital.
IMANSB honorary secretary Dr. Aonungdok Tushi Ao expressed solidarity with the nationwide strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), stressing the urgent need for stronger protection for healthcare workers.
An official from the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima confirmed that outpatient departments (OPDs) were closed, but emergency services remained operational.
The IDANSB highlighted the critical need for a safe working environment for healthcare professionals and strongly supported efforts to seek justice and enhanced protection for those in the medical field.
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