The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced the bandh in a show of support for the postgraduate student who was attacked by a pro-Kannada group at a hospital in Bengaluru.

Six days into the protests by doctors at Bengaluru’s Victoria Hospital, the state branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a statewide bandh on November 8. The outpatient services at all hospitals in Karnataka will be affected. Speaking to media, Dr Srinivas, IMA Karnataka’s Secretary, said that the decision was taken to show their support for the postgraduate student from Bangalore Medical College, who was assaulted by a pro-Kannada group on November 1.

Several resident doctors and medical students from the college have been protesting since November 2 at the government-run Victoria Hospital, which is affiliated with Bangalore Medical College. On November 8, a postgraduate student was mobbed by members of an activist group.  This was after two patients lost their eyesight after a cataract surgery performed at Minto Eye Hospital (attached to Bangalore Medical College) in July. According to reports, the two patients approached the group, who, in turn, reached the eye hospital.

A video of the incident shows the mob walking into the hospital and accosting the female doctor, who was tending to patients in the ophthalmology outpatient clinic at the time. The men are seen chanting different slogans like: “We want justice”, “we need a solution”, and “down, down to the doctors of Minto”. However, things took a turn when the postgraduate student replied to the mob’s enquiry in English, after which they began asking why she wasn’t speaking in Kannada.

Following this, doctors have been protesting on the premises of Victoria Hospital and boycotting the non-emergency medical services. Dr HS Satish, the Dean of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, also filed a complaint at the VV Puram police station. The police registered an FIR against unknown persons of the group, although they are yet to be arrested. The protesting doctors have demanded action against the perpetrators.

“It has been almost a week and no arrests or action has been taken against those who attacked the student. We, at IMA, have decided to stand by the doctor and have declared that there will be a statewide bandh on Friday. All outpatient facilities and non-emergency medical services will be boycotted,” stated Dr Jyothi, a member of the Karnataka IMA.

This story was originally published on The News Minute and is reprinted here with permission. It can be viewed here.