Indian doctors in Kolkata resume strike against hospital safety following murder of female colleague
Doctors in Kolkata have reignited their strike to protest the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old female doctor, highlighting the inadequate safety measures in hospitals. Despite representing 7,000 physicians, the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front previously resumed partial services due to flooding. However, with little progress on their demands for improved safety, they have returned to a full strike.
The doctors’ strong stance has prompted the Supreme Court to establish a hospital safety task force, urging the state government to implement necessary measures by October 15. Union spokesman Aniket Mahato criticized the government for failing to enhance security measures like lighting and CCTV cameras in hospitals, emphasizing the need for a safer workplace.
The protests have expanded beyond Kolkata to other cities in India, with public outrage over the government’s handling of the investigation. This tragic incident has reignited concerns about women’s safety in healthcare settings, echoing the nationwide uproar following the 2012 Delhi bus gang rape and murder.