Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a 24-hour nationwide strike today to protest against the rape and murder of a woman resident doctor at West Bengal government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

The IMA has called for the withdrawal of non-emergency and OPD services today beginning 6 AM. The organisation is demanding justice for the victim and a central law to protect healthcare workers.

Following the call, more medics from public as well as private health facilities joined protests across the country.

The IMA has also condemned the vandalism at the Kolkata hospital where doctors have been protesting since August 9 evening following the rape and murder of the woman medic.

Meanwhile, Union Health Ministry has directed that the Head of Institution will be responsible for filing an Institutional FIR within a maximum of six hours in case of violence against Doctors.

Director General of Health Services Atul Goel has written a letter to the head of the central government hospitals and medical colleges in this regard.