New Delhi: The nationwide protests over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a Kolkata hospital have entered their eighth day, with significant disruptions to healthcare services. Non-emergency services, including outpatient departments (OPD), have been severely affected in various states, including West Bengal and Delhi, as junior doctors remain on strike.

The protest began on August 9 after the tragic incident at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. What started as demonstrations within medical college campuses has expanded to street protests. On Sunday, doctors took their demands to the streets, culminating in a candlelight march in Delhi.

The Supreme Court has taken note of the situation, with Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra scheduled to hear the case on August 20. The case, titled 'In Re: Alleged rape and murder incident of a trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata and related issue,' will be reviewed by the apex court.

In Delhi, resident doctors organized a candlelight march from outside Gate 1 of the Rajiv Chowk Metro Station in Connaught Place. Dr. Parth Mishra, Vice President of the UCMS and GTB Hospital Resident Doctors' Association (RDA), stated that the march aimed to demand a central law to prevent violence against on-duty healthcare workers and to seek justice for their colleague. Participants formed a human chain in Connaught Place and interacted with the public to raise awareness about the incident.

The march, which ended around 9 pm, featured slogans supporting their demands and placards calling for justice. One placard read, "When the white coat turns red, society turns black," highlighting the gravity of the situation. Some participants, including children holding the national tricolor, were also present.

Late Sunday, resident doctors announced the continuation of their strike. A meeting is planned for 9 am Monday at the GTB Hospital's gate, followed by a march to Nirman Bhawan at 11 am. The doctors have emphasized the increase in violence against healthcare professionals, particularly women and girls, and expressed that such acts undermine the medical profession.

Padma Award-winning doctors have called on law enforcement, policymakers, and the public to take decisive action to safeguard healthcare professionals nationwide.

In response to the ongoing strike, the Union Health Ministry has announced plans to form a panel to recommend measures for enhancing the safety of healthcare workers. The ministry has urged doctors to resume their duties due to the rising cases of dengue and malaria and emphasized that the panel will include representatives from all stakeholders to discuss safety improvements.

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