A wave of protests has swept across India’s medical community, as junior doctors demand swift justice for a 31-year-old colleague who was brutally raped and murdered in Kolkata on August 9. The horrific incident has sparked widespread outrage, with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) calling for a 24-hour strike that ended on August 17. However, some doctors have continued to stay off the job, with over 6,000 trainee doctors in government hospitals in Gujarat boycotting non-emergency medical services for a third day.
The victim, a young doctor working at a government hospital in Kolkata, was found dead in a deserted area, sparking allegations of rape and murder. The incident has sent shockwaves through the medical fraternity, with doctors and medical students taking to the streets to demand justice. The IMA has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and ensure hospital staff are protected by robust security protocols, similar to those in place at airports. This demand is particularly pressing, given that 60% of India’s doctors are women.
The victim’s father has expressed his gratitude for the support, saying, “My daughter is gone, but millions of sons and daughters are now with me.” The protests have gained momentum, with doctors and medical students from various states joining the agitation. The government has assured the protesters that the perpetrators will be brought to justice, but the medical community remains skeptical. The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of medical professionals, particularly women, and the need for enhanced security measures to ensure their safety.
