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DIMAPUR — All hospitals in Nagaland, both private and government facilities, will join the ‘nationwide withdrawal of services’ called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on August 17.
The health facilities in the state will withdraw all non-emergency services for 12 hours, from 6 am to 6 pm on Saturday, to protest the rape and murder of a postgraduate student at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata on August 9 and the subsequent vandalism at the health facility.
This action follows a call by the IMA, with national president Dr. RV Asokan and honorary secretary general Dr. Anilkumar J Nayak urging doctors of modern medicine across the nation to participate in the protest.
The IMA’s statement said that routine services like Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries will be suspended for 24 hours, starting at 6 am on Saturday. However, essential services, including emergency care, will remain operational.
Hospitals in Dimapur have confirmed their participation in the strike. Dr. Limatula Aier, Chief Medical Officer of Dimapur, said that while OPDs at the district hospital will be closed on Saturday, emergency services will remain available.
Meanwhile, citing directives from the Head Office of the Indian Dental Association, the Indian Dental Association Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB) has announced its participation in a nationwide 24-hour withdrawal of services.
In a statement released on Friday, the association said that the incident has shocked and devastated the medical community and the nation at large.
Condemning the violence and negligence faced by the medical fraternity, it pledged full support for the IMA and IDA’s call for action. “It is imperative that the entire nation recognises the gravity of this situation and the pressing need for enhanced protection and respect for all the healthcare workers,” it asserted.
What’s open and closed?
• Most hospital departments to be closed during this weekend. Routine outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries will remain shut.
• Essential services will remain operational including emergency care and critical treatments.
• The strike will affect both public and private hospitals.