The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), representing Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) across the country, has announced a nationwide shutdown of elective services in hospitals starting Monday. This move is in solidarity with junior doctors protesting in West Bengal, according to an official statement issued by FAIMA on Sunday.
The decision came after a meeting held by the association on Saturday. While calling for the shutdown, FAIMA urged all RDAs to ensure that emergency services continue to operate 24/7 without disruption.
“After extensive discussions, we have unanimously agreed that the time has come to unite on a national level,” FAIMA said in a communication. “We previously issued an ultimatum to the Chief Minister of West Bengal, but no satisfactory action has been taken. Therefore, we are requesting RDAs and medical associations across the country to join us in shutting down elective services nationwide from Monday.”
The letter, addressed to national and state-level medical associations and RDAs, emphasized the need to maintain emergency services. “We request all RDAs and associations to keep emergency facilities open around the clock to ensure that patients requiring urgent care are not affected,” the letter added.
The protests in West Bengal have escalated, with junior doctors engaging in a fast-unto-death since October 5, demanding justice for a deceased woman medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Their demands also include the resolution of other long-standing issues. So far, three doctors have been hospitalized after their health deteriorated due to the hunger strike.