The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken swift action by issuing notices to the state government and related parties regarding a scheduled doctors’ strike on August 17. This strike is a reaction to the tragic events at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where a woman medic was reportedly raped and murdered, followed by the vandalization of the facility.
Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf, presiding over the division bench, are demanding responses within 24 hours. The court’s prompt intervention follows a petition by Anshul Tiwari of Narsinghpur district, which challenges the legality of the strike.
Notices were directed to the dean of Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, the Junior Doctors Association, and other concerned parties. The court has ensured that the notice to the Junior Doctors Association is disseminated through all available means, including digital platforms like WhatsApp and email.
The urgency of the court’s response aligns with its previous stance, where it mandated that doctors’ associations must not engage in strikes without judicial consent. This directive was issued last year in a bid to maintain uninterrupted healthcare services in the state.
In solidarity with their Kolkata counterparts, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide cessation of non-emergency health services for 24 hours starting at 6 am on the day of the strike. While emergency and essential services will continue, routine out-patient departments and elective surgeries will be on hold.
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The IMA has also called for a thorough and timely investigation into the Kolkata crime, urging for justice to be served swiftly and for the culprits of the vandalism to be severely punished. This tragic incident has sparked outrage among the medical community, leading to this significant but controversial response.
