Thousands of Indian junior doctors on Monday refused to end protests over the rape and murder of a fellow medic, disrupting hospital services nearly a week since they launched a nationwide action demanding safer workplace and swift criminal action. Moreover, the Indian medics protests highlight a growing frustration within the medical community. #IndianMedicsProtests
Doctors nationwide have protested and refused non-emergency patients since August 9. The 31-year-old medic was raped and murdered at a Kolkata hospital. She was a trainee there, according to police reports.
A police volunteer has been arrested and charged with the crime. Women activists argue that this incident underscores ongoing sexual violence in India. Despite tougher laws after the 2012 gang rape in New Delhi, women continue to suffer.
The government has urged doctors to return to duty while it sets up a committee to suggest measures to improve protection for healthcare professionals.
“Our indefinite cease-work and sit-in will continue till our demands are met,” said Dr Aniket Mahata, a spokesperson for protesting junior doctors at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where the incident happened.
In solidarity with the doctors, thousands of supporters of West Bengal state’s two biggest soccer clubs marched on the streets of Kolkata on Sunday evening with chants of “We want justice”.
Groups representing junior doctors in Odisha, New Delhi, and Gujarat have announced their protests will continue. They are joining the nationwide demonstrations. #IndianMedicsProtests
Additionally, the ongoing Indian medics protests underscore the need for government intervention. As demonstrations continue, medics are calling for systemic changes to protect healthcare workers. They believe that meaningful reforms are necessary to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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