KOLKATA, INDIA: Over 8,000 government doctors in Maharashtra, India, have joined the nationwide protest over the recent rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor, whose brutalized body was found at a state-run hospital last week, calling for urgent reforms and enhanced security for medics.
Following the incident, thousands of Kolkata residents took to the streets, expressing their outrage, demanding stronger safety measures for women and justice for the victim.
The horrific incident has sparked widespread demonstrations across India, severely disrupting hospital services in several cities, including West Bengal, exacerbating the crisis in the healthcare sector.
In Kolkata, protesters demanded a comprehensive crackdown on violence against women. Demonstrators held handwritten signs with messages such as "We want justice" and "Hang the rapist, save the women."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue during Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi, expressing his "pain" over the violence against women. Although he did not directly reference the Kolkata case, he emphasized the need for swift investigations and severe punishments for such crimes, underscoring the importance of deterrence and restoring public confidence.
In a related development, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has voiced concerns about unsafe working conditions and excessive workloads in government hospitals. The IMA has urged Health Minister J P Nadda to address these issues as a matter of urgency.
The situation has been further complicated by recent developments in Kolkata, where a police volunteer has been arrested in connection with the murder, and the principal of the medical college where the incident occurred has resigned.
Kolkata Police Chief Vineet Kumar Goyal confirmed that a case has been filed against the suspect under provisions for rape and murder.
The protests highlight growing frustration among both doctors and citizens, who are grappling with the dual challenges of unsafe working conditions and rampant violence. The demonstrations underscore the pressing need for systemic reforms to protect medical professionals and women across India.