Kolkata/New Delhi: Thousands of junior doctors in India remained on strike on Monday, continuing their protests over the rape and murder of a fellow medic. Their nationwide action, which began nearly a week ago, has significantly disrupted hospital services as they demand safer working conditions and a swift investigation.
The protests were sparked by the Aug. 9 killing of a 31-year-old doctor who was raped and murdered while training at a hospital in Kolkata. A police volunteer has been arrested and charged in connection with the crime. Activists have highlighted that this incident underscores ongoing issues of sexual violence against women in India, despite tougher laws enacted after the 2012 gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old student in New Delhi.
The Indian government has appealed to doctors to resume their duties as it forms a committee to propose measures for enhancing the safety of healthcare professionals.
“Our indefinite cease-work and sit-in will continue until our demands are met,” said Dr. Aniket Mahata, spokesperson for the protesting junior doctors at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, where the tragedy occurred.
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In Kolkata, thousands of supporters from the city’s major soccer clubs joined the protests on Sunday evening, chanting “We want justice”. Similar demonstrations have been reported in neighboring Odisha, the capital New Delhi, and Gujarat.
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Gita Gopinath, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, emphasized the importance of workplace safety for increasing female labor force participation. In an interview with Business Standard, Gopinath stated, “One cannot raise female participation without ensuring safety at the workplace and during commutes. That is absolutely critical.”
