On Saturday, the Union Health Ministry urged doctors to call off their nationwide strike, which was sparked by the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital. The Ministry assured medical professionals that a committee will be established to propose safety measures for healthcare workers. This committee will include input from all relevant stakeholders, including state governments, who will be invited to provide their insights and suggestions.

The strike, which has seen doctors across the country walk out for 24 hours, led to the suspension of all health services except for essential and emergency care. The medical community is demanding justice for the victim, along with significant reforms, including improvements to the working and living conditions of resident doctors and the implementation of a central law to protect healthcare workers from violence in the workplace.

Health Ministry officials met with representatives from the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and Resident Doctors’ Associations from various government medical colleges and hospitals in Delhi.

During the meeting, the healthcare associations voiced serious concerns about the safety and security of healthcare professionals at their workplaces. They urged the government to take immediate and decisive steps to protect medical staff from violence and other threats.

In response, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare assured the representatives that the government is fully aware of the challenges faced by healthcare workers and is committed to addressing these issues. The Ministry highlighted that 26 states have already enacted laws to protect healthcare workers, underscoring the government's commitment to this cause.

In an official statement, the Ministry requested that the striking doctors return to work, emphasizing the need for their services amid rising cases of Dengue and Malaria.