Junior Doctor's Protest Sparks Nationwide Call for Hospital Safety

A junior doctor in India has been hospitalized while on a hunger strike to protest inadequate safety and facilities following the rape and murder of a fellow medic. Protests have erupted nationwide, leading to demands for increased security in hospitals and an investigation into alleged corruption in medical colleges.

A junior doctor in India has been hospitalized after suffering severe dehydration during a hunger strike protesting inadequate facilities and security for doctors. The action comes in response to the recent rape and murder of a colleague, which has ignited protests demanding safer working environments in the nation's hospitals.

Aniket Mahato and six fellow doctors initiated their hunger strike to highlight the dire conditions they face, including long shifts in poorly maintained facilities. "Upon his admission, Mahato was severely dehydrated with a very high pulse rate," stated Soma Mukhopadhyay, a hospital professor. Although his condition improved by Friday, further examinations are underway to assess any additional damage.

The murder case has sparked nationwide protests from the medical community, demanding safety for women and justice for the slain doctor. This movement prompted India's Supreme Court to set up a hospital safety task force. Additionally, the Indian Medical Association has urged the West Bengal state's chief minister for immediate action regarding the protesting doctors' demands for police protection and corruption investigations.

(With inputs from agencies.)