Nationwide Doctors Protest After Medic's Murder

Hospital services across several Indian cities have been severely disrupted as doctors protest the rape and murder of a trainee medic in Kolkata. Thousands of medical professionals took to the streets on Monday, demanding justice and enhanced security measures after an autopsy revealed the victim had been raped before her death. A police volunteer has been arrested in connection with the crime, prompting widespread outrage and calls for accountability. The protests quickly spread to other regions, with over 8,000 government doctors in Maharashtra halting all non-emergency services. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association initiated a nationwide strike, leading to the suspension of emergency services in many government-run hospitals, particularly in Kolkata. In New Delhi, junior doctors demonstrated outside a major hospital, highlighting the unsafe working conditions they face. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has voiced concerns over the increasing violence against medical professionals, urging the government to create a safer working environment. They have called for the installation of CCTV cameras in hospitals and better security protocols. In response, the National Medical Commission has mandated that all medical institutions enhance security measures. In Madhya Pradesh, local doctors' associations have joined the protests, expressing solidarity with their colleagues in West Bengal. They have outlined specific demands, including round-the-clock security in medical colleges and restricted access to sensitive areas, emphasizing the need for a safe and supportive environment for healthcare workers.