RG Kar protest: FAIMA calls for shutdown of elective services in hospitals across country from tomorrow

In a communication, the doctors’ body said, “After exhaustive discussions, we have unanimously decided that it is time to unite on a national scale. We had given an ultimatum for escalation to the Chief Minister of West Bengal in a previous letter, however no satisfactory action has been seen, compelling us to request all RDAs and medical associations across the country to join us in our call for a shutdown of elective services across the country, commencing Monday,” the body said in a communication.

FAIMA’s decision was taken after a meeting on Saturday. The body, however, requested all Resident Doctors’ Associations to ensure that all the emergency services remain functional 24/7.

As the strike entered the ninth day on Sunday, three of the junior doctors who were observing ‘fast unto death’ in Kolkata and Siliguri city remain hospitalised after their condition deteriorated.

The agitating doctors had urged people to observe “Arandhan” (no cooking) on Sunday to show support for their cause. A number of common people visited the strike venue during the past few days when the Durga Puja festivities were on.