India’s medical professionals initiated a nationwide strike on Saturday in response to the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in West Bengal. The Indian Medical Association, which is the country’s largest doctors’ organization, declared that non-essential services in hospitals would be halted for 24 hours.
This work stoppage has significantly impacted thousands of patients throughout India. Protests, primarily led by women, have escalated over the past few days, with calls for safer working conditions in the medical field.
The trainee doctor, 31 years old, was found dead on August 9 in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in eastern Kolkata. A police volunteer associated with the hospital has been detained regarding the incident. However, the victim’s family alleges that it was a case of gang rape and that more individuals were involved. An autopsy has confirmed evidence of sexual assault.
Federal investigators have taken over the case after allegations were made about state government officials mishandling the investigation. On Wednesday night, thousands of women across the nation participated in “Reclaim The Night” marches, demanding justice for the victim and advocating for harsher penalties for the perpetrators.
Medical workers across India are voicing demands for justice and improved safety measures for doctors and paramedics within medical facilities. Many have limited their services to emergency care, with additional strikes planned throughout the weekend. The medical community has highlighted the increasing vulnerability of healthcare workers who lack adequate safety measures.
The Indian Medical Association has called for public support in its pursuit of justice and characterized the killing as a “barbaric crime” stemming from the absence of safe spaces for women. Among their demands are stricter laws to protect medical professionals from violence, including designating any attack on them while on duty as a non-bailable offense.
Sexual violence against women remains a pervasive issue in India, with many incidents going unreported due to societal stigma and mistrust of law enforcement. Women’s rights advocates note that the situation is particularly dire in rural regions, where community pressure can further silence victims of sexual assault. Despite the challenges, the number of officially recorded rape cases has risen, with 31,516 incidents reported in 2022, marking a 20% increase compared to 2021, according to the National Crime Records Bureau.