Sandip Ghosh resigned from his position as the principal of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Monday amid the nationwide strike by the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) in response to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor.
Speaking to reporters after stepping down, Dr. Ghosh claimed he was being defamed on social media over the incident and said that the deceased doctor was “like his daughter.”
“I am being defamed on social media. It is not good. The deceased doctor was like my daughter. As a parent, I resign. I don’t want this to happen to anyone in the future,” Dr. Ghosh said.
FORDA has announced a nationwide strike demanding justice and an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the death of the trainee doctor.
Doctors held demonstrations outside hospitals across the country, including Lok Nayak Hospital and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi, on Monday. FORDA General Secretary Sarvesh Pandey stated that the protests would continue until their demands are met, adding that around 300,000 doctors across the country have joined the protest.
The doctors are demanding a CBI inquiry into the case, a fast-track court, and the formation of a committee for the implementation of the Central Protection Act in all hospitals. FORDA India President Dr. Aviral Mathur urged everyone to condemn the incident and said that emergency services would continue for the convenience of patients.
“Everyone should condemn this incident. We will call off the strike when our demands are addressed, as we don’t want the patients to suffer. Emergency services are ongoing for the convenience of patients. Our organization is constantly in touch with the ministry. We have full faith that our demands will be fulfilled,” Dr. Mathur said.
In light of the proposed indefinite strike by FORDA, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi issued an order directing all Heads of Departments to submit an action plan for their respective departments to minimize disruption to patient care services.
A post-graduate trainee doctor was found raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The death has sparked widespread outrage and protests by doctors.
Kolkata police have summoned three junior doctors and one house staff member who were on duty on the night of the incident.
(WITH INPUTS FROM ANI)
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