Mon Oct 14 07:03:25 UTC 2024: ## National Shutdown of Elective Services in Hospitals Planned in Solidarity with West Bengal Doctors

**New Delhi, India:** The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), representing Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) across India, has announced a nationwide shutdown of elective services in hospitals starting Monday, October 10th. This action is in solidarity with the ongoing protest by junior doctors in West Bengal.

The decision came after a meeting of FAIMA on Saturday. The body, however, stressed that all emergency services will remain operational 24/7.

FAIMA’s open letter, addressed to various medical associations across the country, cited the lack of satisfactory action from the West Bengal Chief Minister in response to their previous demands. The letter stated, “We have unanimously decided that it is time to unite on a national scale… We request all RDAs and associations to keep emergency facilities open 24×7.”

The protest in West Bengal stems from the death of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Junior doctors there have been on a fast-unto-death since October 5th, demanding justice for the deceased doctor and addressing other issues. Three doctors have been hospitalized due to their deteriorating health during the fast.

The shutdown of elective services is expected to have a significant impact on healthcare services across India, raising concerns about the potential disruption to patients requiring non-emergency treatment.

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