Despite a court order to cease, Kolkata doctors continue protesting the rape and murder of a trainee physician. The discovery of the 31-year-old woman’s death on August 9 sparked nationwide outrage in India. An investigation into the crime that led to the detention of a hospital volunteer is currently underway at a federal level.
Protests continue in Kolkata even after a Supreme Court deadline for physicians to resume work. Doctors are demanding enhanced protection for healthcare workers, the removal of top police officers, and justice for the victim. They have set up a camp outside the state health department offices. The courts have criticized the West Bengal state administration for this particular issue.
Local media and social media are displaying patient discontent, with reports stating that 23 individuals have passed away as a result of not being able to obtain medical care during the strike. The physicians demonstrating, however, contend that this has no bearing on emergency services. Senior physicians are putting much effort into offering telemedicine treatments from protest locations, according to Dr. Amrita Bhattacharya of the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front.
The physicians insisted that the authorities broadcast their meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee; however, the authorities declined to comply with their request. Furthermore, the previous month saw over 300 rallies registered in Kolkata. Consequently, these protests frequently degenerated into unruly political meetings, leading to altercations between demonstrators and police officers.
Kolkata doctors continue protesting rape and murder of the victim, who is only identified as Abhaya, to protect her identity. Dr. Bhattacharya stressed how the murder had a profound impact on their sense of security and how they were afraid they might run across the killers. Doctors insist their demands are unified, comparing their efforts to a cohesive team working toward the same goal despite political claims.
