Thousands of doctors and medical students marched in Kolkata, India, demanding justice for a 31-year-old trainee medic who was raped and murdered in a government hospital. The murder has sparked nationwide protests, with professionals and residents coming together to seek justice for the victim. The doctors are calling for increased security measures in hospitals as they fear for their safety.
The protest at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital saw doctors and students demanding justice for their colleague who was killed while on duty. They expressed anger at the hospital authorities for mishandling the case and for initially telling the victim’s parents that she had died by suicide.
The doctors shared stories of verbal harassment and threats they have faced from patients and relatives, highlighting the need for better security measures. They fear that the violence they face at work could escalate to physical harm.
Female protesters, including doctors and members of civil society, emphasized the need for a safe environment for women in the workplace. The response from the West Bengal government to the doctors’ demands for safety measures has been criticized, with the introduction of a new scheme that suggests avoiding night shifts for female hospital staff.
Critics argue that the government’s response is regressive and does not address the root causes of violence against women. Tougher laws against rape have been introduced in India, but the increase in reported cases reflects a broader societal issue of gender-based violence and discrimination. Women continue to face challenges in asserting their rights and demanding a safe working environment.
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