Health services in the Braj region were significantly disrupted due to a 24-hour strike by doctors protesting the rape and murder of a fellow physician in Kolkata. On Saturday, doctors in Agra and Aligarh took to the streets to voice their outrage and demand justice.
In Agra, a human chain was formed along MG Road, the main artery of the city, as a powerful display of unity and protest. The demonstration was spearheaded by doctors from SN Medical College and Hospital, who were joined by members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA). United in their demands, they called for strict and swift action against those responsible for the crime. The doctors also expressed deep frustration with how the case was being handled by the state police, voicing concerns about potential mishandling of evidence.
Dr. Sandhya Jain, a consulting pathologist from Agra, spoke passionately during the protest. She highlighted the risks faced by doctors, especially female practitioners, who work long hours in hospitals with inadequate security. She expressed shock and disappointment at the state government’s lack of transparency and the police's suspicious actions, questioning where doctors could turn for justice.
Aastha Sharma, an intern, echoed the concerns of many, calling for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.
This protest was part of a nationwide strike called by the IMA, which began at 6 a.m. on Saturday and was scheduled to last until 6 a.m. on Sunday. During this period, doctors across the country refrained from attending outpatient departments (OPDs) or performing surgeries, though emergency services were maintained to minimize patient inconvenience.
The strike extended beyond just general physicians, with many pathologists and radiologists also joining the movement. Junior doctors at SN Medical College abstained from OPD duties, and similar disruptions were observed at the District Hospital in Agra.
In Aligarh, the strike had a pronounced effect, with patients facing significant difficulties. Private practitioners in the city also participated in the protest, standing in solidarity with the IMA’s call for action. Doctors in Aligarh gathered at a hospital on Ramghat Road to register their protest, reflecting the widespread support for the cause.
The impact of the strike was particularly felt at JN Medical College and Hospital of Aligarh Muslim University, where major surgeries were halted, and the OPD operated only for a limited time. Patients who came for ultrasounds were given appointments for future dates, underscoring the widespread disruption caused by the strike.
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