Thousands of doctors across India have gone on strike in response to the rape and murder of a trainee medic in Kolkata, West Bengal. The young doctor’s body was discovered last Friday with multiple injuries and signs of sexual assault at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with medical associations urging doctors to halt elective services and demanding swift justice.
Dr. Sarvesh Pandey, general secretary of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), reported that around 300,000 doctors have joined the protest, with more expected to follow. Protests have spread across major cities, including Kolkata, Delhi, and Hyderabad, where doctors held a candlelight vigil.
The protests have brought attention to the ongoing issue of violence against health workers in India, with many doctors sharing their experiences of facing threats and physical abuse. A 2015 survey by the Indian Medical Association revealed that 75% of doctors in India had experienced some form of violence.
The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, expressed her shock and supported the call for the case to be fast-tracked. Despite legal reforms following the infamous 2012 gang-rape case in New Delhi, rape and violence against women remain prevalent in India, with experts warning that many cases go unreported due to the stigma surrounding rape victims.
The protests continue as doctors demand better protection and justice for their colleague.
