Hospitals to suspend non-essential services and medical procedures on Saturday as public fury over brutal attack grows.
Indian doctors are calling for a nationwide shutdown of hospital services following the rape and murder of a trainee medic in Kolkata. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) announced a 24-hour shutdown on Saturday, excluding essential services, in response to the brutal attack that has sparked public outrage.
Multiple medical unions have supported the strike, with doctors in government hospitals already halting elective services. The tragic incident has highlighted the vulnerability of healthcare workers, especially women, who lack proper protection and facilities.
Little has changed
Despite regulatory reforms post the 2012 gang rape in Delhi, the country continues to grapple with a high number of reported rape cases. Advocates argue that the fear of consequences among perpetrators remains low, contributing to the persistence of such crimes.
Efforts to address the rampant sexual violence in India have been met with mixed results, prompting a renewed call for stricter enforcement of laws and cultural change.