Indian doctors on nationwide strike over rape, murder of medical trainee

Indian health workers have kicked off a nationwide strike to protest against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a government hospital in the eastern city of Kolkata.

The discovery of the 31-year-old doctor’s bloodied body at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 sparked furious protests in several cities across the country.

The murdered doctor was found in the teaching hospital’s seminar hall, suggesting she had gone there for a rest during a 36-hour shift.

An autopsy confirmed sexual assault. In a petition to the court, the victim’s parents said they suspected their daughter was gang-raped

The protest started on Monday with the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) calling for nationwide halt of elective services in hospitals.

Thousands of doctors marched in Kolkata, demanding better security measures and justice for the victim.

One of the doctors’ demands include solidifying the Central Protection Act, which is intended to be a central law to protect medical professionals from violence.

On Tuesday, FORDA announced that it was calling off the strike after Jagat Nadda, the country’s health minister, accepted the protest demands.

However, the indefinite strike and protest continue with doctors and hospitals saying they will not back down until all their demands are met.

Hospitals and clinics across the Asian country turned patients away, except for emergency cases.

The protesters held a candle-light vigil into the early hours of Saturday morning.

Although the protests have been led by doctors and other healthcare workers, citizens across different work cadres in India have also joined in on the action.

“Hands that heal shouldn’t bleed,” read one sign held by a protester in Kolkata.

“Enough is enough,” read another in New Delhi, the Indian capital. “Hang the rapist”, another said.

A man, who worked at the hospital helping people navigate busy queues, has been detained.