Doctors Strike Across India After Trainee Medic’s Tragic Death
Thousands of doctors across India have launched a strike to demand better protection for health workers. The strike follows the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in West Bengal. Police discovered the victim’s body last Friday at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Her body showed multiple injuries and signs of sexual assault. Authorities have arrested one suspect, though are awaiting further comments from Kolkata police.
On Monday, medical associations across several states called for doctors at government hospitals to halt all elective services indefinitely. They demanded that the case be fast-tracked through the courts. And pushed for the establishment of a protective committee for health workers.
Dr. Sarvesh Pandey, the general secretary of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association. That around 300,000 doctors have joined the protest, with more expected to participate.
Nationwide Protest
Doctors in Kolkata and Delhi held signs “Save our doctors, save our future,” .while in Hyderabad, they organized a candlelight vigil. The striking doctors not only mourned the loss of their colleague but also highlighted the growing violence against health workers. Many have faced threats or abuse from patients or their families.
A 2015 survey by the Indian Medical Association revealed that 75% of doctors in India had experienced some form of violence, often while on duty. The association, in a letter to the health minister, emphasized that this tragic murder would not be the last unless decisive action is taken. They called for an inquiry into doctors’ working conditions and demanded an impartial investigation into the murder case. sexual assault swallowed
A Broader Crisis
Experts warn that the number of reported cases of violence against health workers and women in India may only scratch the surface. Deep-rooted societal issues such as patriarchy, shame, and stigma prevent many victims from coming forward.
India’s most infamous case, the 2012 gang rape of a medical student in New Delhi, sparked nationwide outrage and brought about legal reforms. The government amended the rape law in 2013, broadening the definition of the crime and imposing harsher punishments for offenses like sexual assault, voyeurism, and stalking.
However, despite these reforms, rape cases continue to be prevalent. Many victims and advocates argue that much more needs to be done to address the ongoing crisis. sexual assault swallowed