‘Protest will not die down’: IMA vows despite SC order to Bengal doctors to resume work by 5 pm tomorrow

The IMA’s declaration comes amid ongoing protests over the brutal murder and rape of a postgraduate medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Aug 9.

In a press release issued on Monday, the IMA said it was "disheartened" with both the Supreme Court's proceedings and the handling of the case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The association highlighted its dissatisfaction with the court’s decision, which includes the directive for doctors to resume their duties immediately and assurances that no adverse action will be taken if they comply.

The IMA's press release stated, "We were eagerly waiting for the Supreme Court hearing today regarding the brutal murder and rape of an on-duty doctor at RG Kar Medical College. We were expecting a positive outcome given the gravity of the offence. However, we are totally disheartened by the proceedings of the court and CBI."

The group expressed shock learning that the Supreme Court has asked the junior doctors, who are the forerunners of this protest, have been asked to return to work by 5 pm tomorrow.

"We are further disheartened to learn that junior doctors have been unfairly portrayed as responsible for a few deaths in hospitals, which is totally false. No hospital service has been completely hampered due to the movement of the junior doctors."

The IMA criticised the way junior doctors were held responsible for any hospital deaths during the strike, labelling these claims as unfounded.

The association defended the protesting doctors, asserting that their demonstration has been in response to the severe crime and ongoing issues within the healthcare system.

The IMA defended the protesting doctors, stating, "Our junior colleagues are protesting not only for speedy and fair justice for the heinous crime against Abhaya but also against the health syndicate to ensure such crimes and corruption do not occur in the future."

The IMA stressed that their protest is not merely about the individual case but about broader systemic issues and corruption that must be addressed to prevent future incidents.

"IMA promises to stand by the junior doctors unconditionally in all their future movements," stated the release. "We vow to the entire medical fraternity and the common people that the protest will not die down. In the coming days, it will even become stronger, and we will leave no stone unturned until justice is achieved."

The Supreme Court has directed junior doctors, who are on ceasework protesting against the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, to resume their services.

The advocate representing the junior doctors claimed the protesters are not confident to resume work over the threats they are still receiving.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said no action will be taken against the junior doctors if they resume work by 5 pm on Tuesday.

The CJI said the court will not be able to restrain the state government from taking action if the junior doctors continue with their protests.

"We can record that if doctors resume to work, no adverse action but if they do not resume work as doctors then we cannot restrain state govt from taking actions," he said.

The state's counsel, advocate Kapil Sibal claimed in the hearing that 23 patients have died due to the junior doctors' ceasework.

In the previous hearing held last month, the CJI had urged the junior doctors to resume work restraining the government from any action against them.

All inside images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS