AP JUDA calls off strike

The Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors’ Association (AP JUDA) has called off the two-week-long strike and emergency boycott following assurances from the Supreme Court and the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu. The strike began soon after the tragic incident of assault and murder of a young female postgraduate at RG KAR Hospital, West Bengal, on August 8, where the medical fraternity witnessed violence against doctors. The members of AP JUDA, in a release on Friday, stated that their decision to temporarily suspend the strike was made in good faith with the belief that it will lead to meaningful and lasting improvements.
The AP JUDA stated, “The first demand has been met: the case has been transferred to the CBI and is now under the purview of the Supreme Court, which has taken it up suo motu. This significant step ensures that a transparent and thorough investigation will be conducted, providing justice for the victim and safeguarding the rights of healthcare professionals nationwide.”
They said, “We would like to thank The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) for advocating for immediate and robust safety measures in hospitals across the country, which was answered by the Honourable Supreme Court, in a landmark ruling, by directing the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to engage with the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police across all states and union territories. This is to ensure the swift implementation of essential safety measures for the protection of healthcare professionals nationwide.”
Furthermore, they thanked Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, for understanding their pain and standing with them during this critical time. The Chief Minister has assured them that an amendment regarding the safety of healthcare workers is forthcoming, which will include a stringent punishment of seven years imprisonment for any act of violence against healthcare professionals.