India Doctors Protest for Safety Reforms

The rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata have sparked nationwide protests and strikes among doctors demanding justice and safer working conditions. The Indian Medical Association called for a 24-hour strike, affecting non-essential medical services and causing significant disruptions in hospitals. The West Bengal government announced new safety measures for women workers, including night police patrols and designated restrooms, but some doctors criticized the suggestion to avoid night shifts as regressive. Prominent figures, including cricketers Suryakumar Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Harbhajan Singh, have publicly condemned the crime and called for severe punishment for the perpetrators. The victim's family and colleagues allege that she might have been targeted for uncovering potential misconduct, suggesting the involvement of more individuals in the crime. Amid the ongoing protests, there are calls for more stringent laws to protect healthcare workers from violence.