By Healthcare Workers Nationwide Protest Over Kolkata Incident
Hundreds of thousands of health workers across India launched a nationwide strike to protest the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The incident occurred at a government hospital, sparking widespread outrage and demands for better protection of healthcare professionals.
Hospitals and Clinics Shut Down in Solidarity
On Saturday, doctors and healthcare workers led protests across the country, joined by tens of thousands of supporters demanding justice. The strike, which began at 6 am (00:30 GMT), resulted in the shutdown of hospitals and clinics nationwide, with only emergency cases being attended to. Medical college faculty were mobilized to handle these emergencies.
Tragic Incident at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College
The 31-year-old doctor’s body was discovered on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where she had been working a grueling 36-hour shift. The doctor was assaulted and killed in the hospital’s seminar hall. An autopsy confirmed the horrific sexual assault, sparking protests in several cities.
Indian Medical Association Condemns ‘Barbaric Crime’
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), representing over 400,000 doctors, condemned the “barbaric crime” and criticized the lack of safe spaces for women. The IMA emphasized that both the medical community and the nation are victims of such violence.
Protests Spread Across Major Cities
Protests quickly spread to cities like Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Chennai, and New Delhi. In the capital, doctors voiced their concerns over poor working conditions, with one describing the “abysmal” doctor-to-patient ratio and lack of proper rest facilities.
Doctors Demand Stronger Protections
Doctors are calling for the implementation of the Central Protection Act to safeguard healthcare workers from violence. They are also pushing for stricter laws that would make attacks on medics non-bailable offenses.
Investigation Underway Amid Accusations of Mishandling
One suspect has been detained, and the case is now under federal investigation following accusations of mishandling by state authorities. The incident has underscored the broader issue of violence against women in India, where many crimes go unreported due to stigma and lack of trust in law enforcement.
Rallying Cry: ‘Enough is Enough’
At a rally in New Delhi, a poster summed up the collective frustration of the medical community: “Enough is enough.”
