Telemedicine Service 'Abhaya Clinic' Launched by Junior Doctors Amidst Ongoing Work Strike in Protest over Kolkata RG Kar Doctor’s Rape and Murder

Despite their ongoing work strike over the brutal rape and murder of the 31-year-old on-duty PGT doctor of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the protesting junior doctors have introduced a telemedicine service named 'Abhaya Clinic.' This initiative, which began on Saturday, aims to offer medical consultations to general patients via WhatsApp. The doctors have vowed to continue their strike until their demands are met and justice is served. In honor of their colleague, who was brutalized on August 9 while on duty, the West Bengal Junior Doctor’s Front has organized a health camp, calling it ‘Abhaya Clinic’ at all government hospitals this Sunday.

“The aim is to seek for justice and ensure a safe workspace for all doctors. The way that on-duty doctor’s life was cut short has shocked us, and while our strike is still on, we have started this telemedicine clinic so that the patients get their due treatment,” said a protesting junior doctor. Patients seeking assistance can reach out to the doctors via the following numbers: 8777565251, 8777569399, 8777579517, and 6290326079.

A wave of outrage swept across Kolkata, Bengal, and the nation as protests erupted over the heinous rape and murder of an on-duty PGT doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Demonstrations, candlelight vigils, and rallies were held in various parts of the city and state, with citizens, students, and professionals demanding justice for the victim and her family. The protests condemned the brutal crime and called for swift action against the perpetrators, and the junior doctors have been protesting ever since seeking safer working conditions and seeking justice for the life that was cut short.

The protesting junior doctors have asserted that they will continue with their protests and strikes until justice is served. On Saturday, the 'Joint Platform of Doctors' held a rally from the Medical Council office to the CGO Complex to show their solidarity. On September 3, doctors from both private and government hospitals will form a human chain along EM Bypass, from RN Tagore Hospital to Apollo Hospital/North City, to demand justice. The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front has also planned a 'Lalbazar Avijaan' on September 2.​