Indian Medical Professionals Protest Doctors' Safety with Nationwide Strike

Indian medical professionals initiated a 24-hour shutdown of non-emergency services to protest the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. Elective procedures and out-patient consultations are halted, while casualty departments remain staffed. The demonstration underscores the failure of laws to curb violence against women.

Indian medical professionals commenced a nationwide 24-hour shutdown of non-emergency services on Saturday, protesting the brutal rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. The strike, starting at 6 a.m. (0030 GMT), disrupts elective medical procedures and out-patient consultations throughout the world's most populous country, the Indian Medical Association reported.

Emergency departments will remain operational during the protest. Last week, a 31-year-old trainee doctor was raped and murdered inside a Kolkata medical college, sparking nationwide protests among doctors and evoking memories of the 2012 gang rape and murder of a student in New Delhi.

Widespread anger over the inefficacy of strict laws to deter rising violence against women has galvanized doctors and women's groups. IMA President R. V. Asokan stated, "Women form the majority of our profession in this country. Time and again, we have asked for safety for them." Over a million medical professionals are anticipated to participate in the strike.

(With inputs from agencies.)