Indian Doctors Demand Justice and Safety After a Colleague's Tragic Murder

Following the brutal rape and murder of a medical resident in Kolkata, doctors across India have initiated hunger strikes demanding justice and safer working environments. The protests, fueled by concerns over systemic corruption and violence against medical professionals, highlight the urgent need for reforms within the healthcare system.

More than two dozen doctors in India are on an indefinite hunger strike in response to the tragic rape and killing of a medical resident in Kolkata, which has ignited nationwide protests for safer working conditions. For nearly two weeks, these medical professionals have been advocating for justice while raising awareness about the dangers faced by healthcare workers in their environment. As of recent reports, six of the protesting doctors have entered hospitals for care after subsisting solely on water during their fast.

The victim, aged 31, was discovered on August 9 in a seminar room at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, where she was completing her residency. Her body bore numerous injuries, including a broken neck, igniting public outrage and calls for justice across the country. Under Indian law, the victim's name cannot be disclosed due to privacy regulations surrounding sexual assault cases. This shocking incident has mobilized thousands of healthcare workers, pressuring authorities for a thorough investigation and enhanced protection for medical personnel, who often work grueling shifts in governmental hospitals.

In West Bengal, the investigation has transitioned to a federal agency after initial local efforts yielded minimal progress. Doctors, including member Dr. Sunanda Ghosh of the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front, have expressed profound concerns over systemic issues such as corruption within hospitals and a lack of safety for doctors dealing with distressed patients' families.

As the protests gain momentum, some doctors have criticized the state healthcare administration, demanding the resignation of senior bureaucrats. They also seek increased police protection within medical facilities and reforms to address ongoing incidents of violence against healthcare workers. The movement has inspired doctors to not only engage in hunger strikes in Kolkata but also throughout Lucknow and other regions, with some employing relay fasting to ensure continuous advocacy.

Divyansh Singh, a medical resident from Lucknow, recently completed a 66-hour hunger strike. He emphasized the rising assaults against doctors in light of minimal safety measures, stating, "While they were talking about increasing security measures... the incident of assault on doctors increased in the past two months." He pledged to continue fighting for justice, reinforcing the determination of medical professionals across India to address these pressing issues.