Doctors across several Indian states have gone on strike to protest the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a Kolkata hospital. The 31-year-old victim, a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College, was found dead in a seminar room after being brutally attacked. An autopsy confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted and murdered. The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for improved safety measures in medical facilities.
The police have arrested Sanjay Roy, a “civic volunteer” at the hospital, in connection with the crime. Roy’s role at the hospital was somewhat ambiguous, with reports suggesting he acted as a middleman to expedite patient admissions for a fee. His involvement has further fueled concerns about inadequate security and oversight at government hospitals.
Protests, which began in Kolkata, have now spread nationwide as doctors demand justice and enhanced security measures. The doctors’ federation has called for a swift trial and a thorough investigation into the circumstances that allowed the crime to occur. They are also advocating for urgent reforms to improve safety for medical staff, particularly women, in hospital settings.
Nationwide Doctor Strike in India After Kolkata Trainee Doctor’s Rape and Murder Spurs Demand for Hospital Security Reforms
The victim’s father expressed his heartbreak, noting that despite having bought his daughter a car to ensure her safety during late-night commutes, she was not secure even in her workplace. This sentiment echoes broader concerns about the safety of women in India, as highlighted by nurse Nisha Alum, who criticized the lack of progress since the 2012 gang rape case.
Dr. Rajan Sharma, a former president of the Indian Medical Association, has called for significant changes in hospital security protocols. He suggested measures such as posting security guards, implementing strict entry and exit controls, and enforcing visiting hours.
Sharma pointed out that private hospitals, which have more robust security systems, do not face the same level of violence, implying that better security in government hospitals could prevent such incidents. Additionally, a survey revealed that a majority of doctors in India have faced some form of violence, highlighting a pervasive issue of safety in the medical profession.
