Nationwide Doctors’ Protests Erupt in India After Trainee Medic’s Murder

A nationwide protest by doctors erupted across India following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee medic in Kolkata, Reuters reported yesterday.

Thousands of doctors marched on Monday, demanding justice and enhanced security measures. The victim was found dead last Friday, leading to the arrest of a police volunteer.

On Tuesday, over 8,000 government doctors in Maharashtra halted work in all departments except emergencies, while protests spread to cities like New Delhi, Lucknow, and Goa. Junior doctors in New Delhi displayed placards reading, “Doctors are not punching bags.”

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) highlighted the harsh working conditions and called for improved security at medical facilities. A Kolkata high court has ordered the case to be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation, underscoring its national importance. Emergency services in Kolkata’s government-run hospitals remained suspended as the government assessed the situation’s impact on healthcare.