The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) on Thursday (August 22, 2024) decided to end its 11-day strike following “positive directions” from the Supreme Court.
The apex court earlier in the day asked protesting doctors to resume work and assured them that no adverse action would be taken after they rejoin.
“#FAIMA has decided to call off the strike following positive directions from the #Chief Justice of India. We welcome the acceptance of our prayers for interim protections and the necessary steps to enhance security in hospitals. United, we will continue to fight legally,” FAIMA, an umbrella body of doctors, said in a post on X.
The move comes soon after several resident doctors’ associations (RDAs) called off their strike over Kolkata incident, following an appeal from the Supreme Court.
RDAs of AIIMS-Delhi, RML Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College and the Delhi government-run Indira Gandhi Hospital also announced their decision to call off the strike.
RDAs across India had declared an indefinite strike, suspending all elective and non-essential services including outpatient department services, to protest the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata. The strike severely disrupted patient services in hospitals across India as doctors demanded better safety at the workplace.
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The AIIMS RDA said the resident doctors would continue their struggle through “symbolic protest after duty hours till justice is served and implementation of safety guidelines”.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Supreme Court for taking cognizance of the RG Kar Medical College incident and addressing the issue of safety and security for healthcare workers across the country. We also commend the formation for the National Task Force (NTF) to ensure that these concerns are addressed promptly and effectively,” the RDA said.
The Association also urged the authorities to strictly adhere to the directives issued by the Supreme Court. “We appreciate the court’s directive that no punitive action be taken against the protesting doctors. We thank everyone who supported us in our pursuit of justice. Our commitment to our responsibilities remains steadfast, and we will continue to advocate for the rights and safety of healthcare workers through engagement with various authorities, ministries, institutional heads, members of the National Task Force, and the Supreme Court and our demand for CPA,” the AIIMS RDA said.
(With PTI inputs)
Published - August 22, 2024 06:10 pm IST
