Thousands of doctors across India have launched a nationwide strike following the horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee medic in Kolkata, West Bengal. The young doctor’s body was discovered last Friday in a seminar hall at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, bearing multiple injuries and signs of sexual assault. This tragic incident has sparked outrage within the medical community and prompted demands for better protection for healthcare workers across the country.
Strike and Protests
The protest has seen around 300,000 doctors from various states joining the strike, with many more expected to participate in the coming days. Medical associations across India are urging doctors in government hospitals to halt all elective services indefinitely as part of the protest. In cities like Kolkata and Delhi, doctors have taken to the streets, holding signs that read “Save our doctors, save our future,” while in Hyderabad, a candlelight vigil was held in memory of the victim.
Demands for Safety and Justice
The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) and other medical groups are calling for swift justice, demanding that the case be fast-tracked through the courts. They are also pushing for the establishment of a protective committee for health workers and the passage of the Central Protection Act for Doctors, which would provide enhanced safety measures for healthcare professionals in the country. These demands stem from longstanding concerns about the safety of medical workers in India, where a 2015 survey by the Indian Medical Association revealed that 75% of doctors had experienced some form of violence.
Government Response
The tragic incident has also drawn the attention of political leaders. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock and has voiced support for the protesters’ demands, particularly the call for a speedy trial. The Indian government has faced significant challenges in addressing violence against women, with this case adding to a series of high-profile incidents that have garnered both national and international attention in recent years.
This devastating event has united the medical community in a call for urgent action to ensure the safety and protection of healthcare workers across India, highlighting the pressing need for systemic changes in how these professionals are safeguarded while performing their duties.
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