Agartala: August 16: West Bengal is currently experiencing significant unrest following a tragic incident at RG Kar Hospital. In response, doctors and intellectuals across the country have joined the protests. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide shutdown of medical services from 6 AM on Saturday to 6 AM on Sunday, with only emergency services remaining operational. This decision will also be implemented in Tripura, with some modifications.
Dr. Sanjib Debbarma, President of the Tripura chapter of the IMA, confirmed that the state will participate in the nationwide shutdown. However, special measures will be taken to ensure that patients still receive necessary medical services. Dr. Debbarma stated that outpatient department (OPD) services will be available in the emergency department to benefit patients. While doctors will not see patients at the designated OPD locations, specialists will be available in the emergency department. He acknowledged that space constraints might lead to some crowding and appealed for patient cooperation.
Dr. Debbarma also mentioned that all emergency services will be fully operational the following day. Chemotherapy and dialysis services will continue as usual, and no surgeries will be performed in state hospitals except on an emergency basis. This decision will be implemented across all district and subdivisional hospitals, primary and community health centers, and private hospitals and nursing homes in the state, including GBP and IGIM hospitals.
He emphasized that the entire country is outraged by the incident involving a female doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. Dr. Debbarma appealed to patients and their families to support the shutdown as a protest for the safety of the medical community and to bear with any inconvenience caused.
