The brutal and inhumane rape and murder of a doctor on duty in Kolkata has shaken the world. Doctors in India and around the world have protested and urged various government officials in India to intervene and take immediate action to provide justice to the victim, as well as to ensure the safety and security of doctors in government hospitals. They have expressed disappointment that the matter was not immediately and properly handled by local police, CBI, and local government authorities, or failing that, the central government.
The public protests should not be necessary to provide justice for such criminal acts and now everyone is calling for immediate action to prevent similar incidents from happening again. People are concerned about the lack of progress in the investigation and the need for major justice system reform, including strict workplace safety policies and protocols.
A representation submitted to the Prime Minister, the President of India, and the Chief Justice of India by the doctor’s communities has emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the safety and security of doctors, especially women in healthcare.
They have highlighted the increasing incidents of violence, including sexual violence, against medical professionals, which have created an environment of fear and insecurity among doctors. The representation also points out the need for labor law reforms, particularly regarding safe and human work hours. It mentions that the doctor who was killed was working a 36-hour shift, which is against the rules and norms, and questions whether there are laws in place to address bullying and harassment in the workplace.
The various medical associations have requested authorities to put in place measures to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and workplace safety and to penalize severely those who commit such crimes. They are also calling for the protection of healthcare workers’ rights through appropriate legislation to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The horrific and inhumane rape and murder of a doctor on duty in Kolkata has sent shockwaves across the world.
Doctors in India and around the globe have voiced their concerns and urged various government officials to take immediate action to deliver justice for the victim and to ensure the safety and security of healthcare workers in government hospitals. They have expressed dismay that local authorities did not promptly address the matter and have emphasized the need for urgent interventions to prevent such tragedies from recurring. There is a call for major justice system reforms, particularly concerning workplace safety protocols and policies.
The associations have urged authorities to implement measures to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and workplace safety and to impose severe penalties on those who commit such crimes. They are also advocating for legislation to protect healthcare workers’ rights and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
