Protests Erupt Nationwide Following Doctor's Tragic
Assault & Murder in Indian Hospital

Los Angeles/Aug 14, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

A 31-year-old female trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College was found dead in a seminar hall last Friday, suspected to have been raped and murdered. The police have arrested a hospital volunteer worker in connection with the crime.

This incident has triggered protests across West Bengal, including a planned "Reclaim the Night" march, as thousands demand safer conditions for women. Outraged doctors nationwide are striking, demanding federal laws to protect healthcare workers.
Violence against doctors and nurses is a critical issue in India, where medical staff frequently face attacks. Overworked doctors often work long hours without proper facilities, such as restrooms and secure areas for breaks. RG Kar Hospital, treating over 3,500 patients daily, lacks dedicated rest areas, forcing doctors to sleep in unprotected seminar rooms.

The arrested suspect, a volunteer worker with a troubled history, had unrestricted access to hospital areas, and no background checks were conducted on him. Dr. Madhuparna Nandi, a junior doctor in Kolkata, expressed her fear and disbelief, stating, "The hospital has always been our second home; now we’re terrified."

This tragedy is not isolated. In 1973, nurse Aruna Shanbaug was left in a vegetative state after being raped by a ward attendant. More recently, in Kerala, medical intern Vandana Das was murdered by a patient. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for improved security measures in Indian hospitals.

Despite some states deploying private security, progress remains slow. In 2022, the federal government urged states to enhance hospital security, but changes have been minimal. Doctors are skeptical about seeing real improvements. “Nothing will change,” says Dr. Namrata Mitra. “The expectation will be that doctors should work round the clock and endure abuse as a norm.”

The lack of protection for healthcare workers is a serious concern for India's medical community, calling for immediate action to ensure safety in hospitals.

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