RG Kar Horror: FAIMA Postpones Nationwide Strike After Mamata Govt Calls for Emergency Meet

Kolkata: As protests against the RG Kar Rape and Murder Case intensify and doctors at RG Kar enter tenth day of fast-unto-death, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has decided to postpone its call for a nationwide strike, after the West Bengal Chief Secretary has called for an emergency meeting with the medical bodies.

FAIMA Postpones Nationwide Strike after Mamata Govt Calls for Meet

Following the announcement of an emergency meet with the medical bodies by the West Bengal Chief Secretary, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has decided to postpone its nationwide strike and wait to see the outcome of the meeting with Mamata government.

In a statement, FAIMA has said, “We have unanimously decided to postpone the commencement of the elective services boycott by one day to 15th October, 2024, to closely monitor the outcomes of the emergency meeting with the Chief Secretary.”

West Bengal Chief Secretary Calls for Emergency Meet with Medical Bodies

Chief Secretary Manoj Pant wrote to the Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD), urging them to cancel their proposed demonstration on October 15, stating that the protest was coinciding with the state government's previously announced 'Pujo Carnival' to be organised on the same day. He also invited the medics for a meeting at state health department headquarters Swasthya Bhawan on Monday to discuss their demands.

In an email, Pant also requested the doctors' body to "advise" the medics to call off their hunger strike in the interest of their health and well-being. "I write to address your organisation's call for the event scheduled on October 15 at 4 pm on Rani Rashmoni Road, Kolkata in connection with various demands of junior doctors and their ongoing hunger strike. This proposed demonstration coincides with the previously announced pujo carnival organised by the state government," the mail read.

"The carnival is a prominent event attended by thousands, along with international dignitaries who come to witness this UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Any demonstration which may coincide with this event, or misuse of the demonstration by certain elements to cause disruption during this event could pose significant safety and security concerns for the visitors," Pant further wrote in a mail. "Additionally, I appeal to you to advise junior doctors to end their hunger strike in the interest of their health and well-being," Pant said.

In another email, Pant invited the JPD for a meeting at the Swasthya Bhavan on Monday afternoon, an official said.

(Inputs from PTI)