Doctors in India have taken a stand against violence towards medical staff by launching a national strike in response to the rape and murder of a female colleague in Kolkata. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for all non-essential hospital services to be shut down across the country, demanding justice for the heinous crime.
The IMA described the killing as a “crime of barbaric scale” due to the lack of safe spaces for women, sparking protests demanding greater protection for women in general. The association’s president, R. V. Asokan, emphasized the need for better security measures at hospitals and the creation of safe spaces for rest to ensure the safety of medical staff.
The brutal rape and killing of the 31-year-old female trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College has shocked the nation, leading to calls for a meticulous investigation and prosecution of those involved. The case has been transferred to India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following criticism of the local police’s handling of the case.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the “monstrous behavior against women” and called for swift and severe punishment for such crimes. The incident has also sparked a political blame game in West Bengal, with the opposition BJP accusing the ruling TMC of orchestrating the attack, a claim that has been refuted by the TMC.
Protests demanding justice and greater protection for women have spread across India, with tens of thousands participating in marches and demonstrations in various cities. The solidarity and determination of the protesters have reignited hope for a safer and more just society for women in India.
