Indian Doctors Launch Nationwide Strike in Protest of Trainee Medic’s Rape, Murder

Indian medical professionals initiated a 24-hour strike on Saturday, August 17, 2024, in response to the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata, Arab News reported yesterday.

The strike, organized by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), began at 6 a.m. local time and aims to halt non-emergency services across the country, affecting elective procedures and outpatient consultations.

The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests among the medical community, drawing comparisons to the infamous 2012 gang rape case in New Delhi. IMA President R. V. Asokan emphasized the urgent need for improved safety measures for women in the profession, stating, “Women form the majority of our profession in this country. Time and again, we have asked for safety for them.”

While casualty departments will remain operational to handle emergencies, the strike reflects growing frustration over the inadequacy of laws designed to protect women from violence. Over a million doctors are expected to participate in the protest, highlighting the critical issue of safety within the healthcare sector.