National Doctors Strike After Rape and Murder of Young Practitioner in India

The rape and murder of a young doctor continues to spark outrage in India. In a country with a chronic problem of violence against women, Indian doctors launched a nationwide strike on Saturday, August 17, in response to the crimes.

The discovery of the bloodied body of this 31-year-old practitioner on August 9 in a public hospital in Calcutta (India), led to violent protests in several cities. Initially, doctors and health professionals called for demonstrations to obtain the implementation of measures. Several tens of thousands of Indians quickly joined the movement.

On Saturday morning, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) intensified the protest by declaring a 24-hour strike, except for emergency services. “We ask for the nation’s understanding and support in this fight for justice for its doctors and daughters.”IMA chief RV Asokan said in a statement.

“The 36 hours of on-call duty for the victim and the lack of safe places to rest justify a complete review of the working and living conditions of intern doctors”the IMA said, calling the killing a “barbarous”The body of the murdered doctor was found in an amphitheater at the university hospital, suggesting she had gone there to rest after a 36-hour shift. An autopsy confirmed rape and homicide. In a petition filed with the court, the victim’s parents said they suspected gang rape.

Doctors are demanding the implementation of the Central Protection Act, aimed at protecting healthcare workers from violence. Practitioners in government hospitals in various states on August 12 suspended non-emergency care for a period of “undetermined”demanding justice and greater safety in their workplace.