Nationwide Doctor Strike in India Over Kolkata Rape and Murder

Across India, hospitals turned away non-emergency patients as doctors launched a 24-hour strike to protest the rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor. The Indian Medical Association indicated that over a million doctors participated, severely impacting medical services. Government officials called for a return to work and promised improved protections.

Hospitals and clinics across India turned away patients except for emergency cases on Saturday as medical professionals launched a 24-hour shutdown in protest against the brutal rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. Over a million doctors were expected to join the strike, paralyzing medical services across the nation.

The government, following a meeting with medical associations, urged doctors to resume duties in the public interest. The incident involving a 31-year-old trainee doctor has triggered nationwide protests, drawing parallels to the 2012 New Delhi gang rape case. Medical services for non-emergency procedures and out-patient consultations were cut off, worsening healthcare access.

Outside the RG Kar Medical College, where the crime occurred, police presence was heightened, while hospital premises remained deserted. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee supported the protests, calling for a fast-tracked investigation and stringent punishment. Despite government efforts to calm unrest, the massive strike highlighted the growing demand for better protection of healthcare workers.

(With inputs from agencies.)