The tragic August 2024 incident at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, where a young female doctor was raped and murdered, exposed the serious dangers faced by healthcare professionals in India, especially women. This heartbreaking event ignited widespread protests across the country, highlighting the need for systemic changes in hospital security and the safety of healthcare workers. The Physicians of Indian Origin United for Wellbeing and Safety of Healthcare Workers (PIUWSH), an advocacy group formed in the wake of this tragedy, emerged as a key voice in pushing for reforms and safeguarding the well-being of healthcare workers, not just in India but globally.
On the night of August 9, 2024, a young resident doctor, referred to as “Abhaya” to protect her identity, was working late when she was violently attacked and murdered. This heinous crime occurred within the supposed safety of a major medical institution, sending shockwaves through the medical community. Doctors and healthcare workers in West Bengal and across India expressed outrage and frustration, demanding better protection and justice for the victim. The horrific attack highlighted the vulnerabilities healthcare workers face, particularly female professionals, and sparked a nationwide call for significant reforms.
In response to the crime, protests erupted in Kolkata, with junior doctors leading the charge. While they took to the streets, senior doctors provided support by covering their shifts, ensuring medical services continued. However, peaceful protests soon faced violent opposition as mobs, believed to have been hired to disrupt the movement, attacked demonstrators and vandalized hospital property. Despite police presence, law enforcement failed to act decisively, further infuriating the medical community. The protests were no longer just about justice for Abhaya; they became a broader outcry against the systemic issues endangering healthcare workers.
As the protests gained momentum, the movement expanded beyond the medical community. Many non-medical citizens, seeing Abhaya as a daughter or sister, joined the demonstrations, lending broader public support to the doctors’ demands. The tragedy struck a chord with people from all walks of life, transforming the protests into a powerful societal movement.
Simultaneously, Indian doctors abroad felt compelled to support their colleagues back home. A group of alumni from various Indian medical colleges and associations of Indian-origin physicians formed PIUWSH, initially starting as a WhatsApp group. The group quickly mobilized to send letters to elected representatives in multiple countries, including India, advocating for better protection and systemic changes to ensure the safety of healthcare workers. Over the following months, these letters were sent in waves, demonstrating a unified call for reform.
The Supreme Court of India responded to the outcry, issuing a firm directive that justice for Abhaya must be pursued. In response to the national protests and increasing demand for change, the Court ordered the formation of a National Task Force (NTF) to investigate the incident and evaluate the safety protocols in hospitals across the country. The task force was charged with developing recommendations to improve working conditions and security measures for healthcare professionals.
PIUWSH, although a young organization, quickly became involved in the national effort. Representatives from PIUWSH engaged in discussions with the leadership of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and a key member of the NTF to explore how best they could contribute to the reform process. Drawing on a detailed analysis of the RG Kar incident, PIUWSH provided the NTF with comprehensive recommendations, including regulating duty hours to prevent exhaustion, enhancing hospital security, and implementing legal protections for healthcare workers.
The advocacy of PIUWSH extended beyond Indian borders. In September 2024, one of its members met with the Prime Minister of India during his visit to the United States to discuss the safety concerns of healthcare workers and deliver the group’s recommendations for reform. Additionally, PIUWSH members engaged with consular officials in various cities, ensuring that the voices of Indian-origin doctors in the U.S. and other countries were heard at the highest levels of government.
Media played a crucial role in keeping the RG Kar tragedy in the public eye. PIUWSH collaborated with both national and international media outlets to maintain focus on the issue. Major Indian news outlets such as the Tribune, Indian Express, and Times of India, along with global media like BBC and The New York Times, provided extensive coverage of the protests and the doctors’ demands. This widespread media attention helped sustain public interest and pressure for change.
Social media platforms also became key tools for PIUWSH to share updates on the protests, mobilize global support, and spread awareness. Hashtags like #JusticeForDoctors and #WorkplaceSafety gained traction, ensuring the issue reached a wide audience across different regions.
Beyond raising awareness, PIUWSH and its allies organized solidarity events, candlelight vigils, and demonstrations in several countries, including the United States. These events drew attention to the challenges healthcare workers face in India and underscored the need for urgent reforms. PIUWSH members participated in major gatherings, such as the New York City India Day Parade and the Global Citizens’ Festival, amplifying their message on a global stage. In hundreds of cities, people gathered with posters calling for justice for Abhaya and advocating for healthcare worker safety, emphasizing the international scope of the issue.
As the movement continues, PIUWSH remains committed to advocating for the safety and well-being of healthcare workers in India and around the world. The RG Kar tragedy exposed deep-rooted issues in India’s healthcare system, from inadequate infrastructure to hostile working conditions. However, these problems are not unique to India. Healthcare workers globally face similar challenges, and PIUWSH aims to address these issues through advocacy and collaboration.
The goals of the ongoing protests in India will only be achieved when concrete measures for justice for Abhaya are implemented, and substantial reforms to prevent future tragedies are executed on the ground. As of the time of writing, doctors in India are entering their second week of a hunger strike, with four already hospitalized in intensive care. The protests, which have lasted over two months, continue as the medical community waits for promises of reform to be translated into real action. PIUWSH’s immediate goal is to ensure that healthcare workers in India feel supported and heard, and that the international spotlight remains on this critical issue.
Looking ahead, PIUWSH aims to build trust with its key stakeholders by collaborating with international medical organizations, continuing to support medical trainees, and contributing to the safety and security of healthcare workers. Through these efforts, PIUWSH hopes to create a safer and more supportive environment for healthcare professionals, both in India and beyond.