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A nationwide strike by Indian doctors erupted on Saturday, paralyzing healthcare services across the country and amplifying demands for justice after the horrific rape and murder of a young female doctor. The brutal killing in Kolkata has ignited a firestorm of anger and sparked widespread protests against the endemic violence faced by women in India.
The 31-year-old doctor’s body was discovered in a state-run hospital on August 9, igniting a furious public outcry. Thousands of people, including doctors, healthcare workers, and ordinary citizens, have taken to the streets in cities across the country to condemn the crime and demand urgent action to address the crisis of violence against women.
In Kolkata, where the tragedy unfolded, mourners held a candlelight vigil that stretched into the early hours of Saturday morning, their grief palpable. Similar scenes of anguish and defiance were witnessed in the capital, New Delhi, and other major cities.
“Hands that heal shouldn’t bleed,” read one poignant protest sign, encapsulating the nation’s shock and outrage.
Authorities have arrested a hospital employee in connection with the crime, but the investigation has been marred by allegations of police incompetence. In response to public pressure, the case has been transferred to India’s top investigative agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The medical community has been at the forefront of the protests, with doctors demanding stricter laws to protect healthcare workers and improve working conditions. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) called a 24-hour strike, suspending non-essential services to underscore the gravity of the situation.
“We ask for the understanding and support of the nation in this struggle for justice for its doctors and daughters,” said IMA chief R.V. Asokan.
The strike has caused significant disruptions, with patients facing long delays and cancellations of appointments. The incident has also highlighted the precarious working conditions faced by many medical professionals, who often work grueling shifts without adequate rest facilities.
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