Indian hospitals were brought to a standstill as doctors and healthcare workers staged a nationwide strike to protest against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The protests, which swelled to include hundreds of thousands of supporters, called for justice, better working conditions, and protection for health workers and women in general.
The 24-hour shutdown on Saturday saw hospitals and clinics turning away patients except for emergency cases, with medical professionals demanding action to ensure their safety. The murder of the 31-year-old doctor at a government hospital sparked outrage and led to protests in several cities across the country.
The Indian Medical Association condemned the “crime of barbaric scale” and the lack of safe spaces for women, demanding stricter laws to protect healthcare workers from violence. Doctors are calling for the implementation of the Central Protection Act and harsher penalties for attacks on medical professionals.
The protests have highlighted the ongoing struggle for justice and safety for healthcare workers in India, as well as the broader issue of violence against women in the country. The case has drawn attention to the need for better security measures in hospitals and a more effective response to crimes against women.
With more than 31,000 reported rapes in India in 2022 alone, there is a growing urgency to address the issue of sexual violence and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. The protests serve as a powerful reminder that the fight for justice and protection for all is far from over.
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