Indian doctors go on strike following the rape and murder of a trainee medic

Doctors in India took to the streets in protest following the rape and murder of a female student medic at a government-run hospital in Kolkata. The strike led to federal investigators arriving in the city to conduct an inquiry. The incident shed light on the working conditions in government hospitals, with doctors facing violence from patients’ caregivers. Medical associations called for a federal investigation and changes in security measures at hospitals. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association called off their strike after meeting with the Health Minister, who promised to draft the Central Healthcare Protection Act. Despite this, protests continued, demanding the suspension of the school’s principal and swift implementation of the law. Doctors across the country chanted slogans for justice and better security measures. The National Medical Commission advised medical schools to enhance security measures in the wake of the incident. India has a high rate of reported rape cases, but many go unreported due to societal stigma. In response to public outrage, the country increased the sentencing for rapists in 2013 and amended laws to include new offenses. The healthcare worker protest highlighted the pervasive issue of violence against women and the need for stricter laws and security measures to protect medical professionals in India.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com