Indian Female Doctors Demand Safety After Brutal Rape and Murder of Colleague
BHU students hold posters and shout slogans during a march in Varanasi on August 20, 2024, amid nationwide strike by medical practitioners to condemn the rape and murder of a doctor in India’s West Bengal state. India’s Supreme Court on August 20 ordered a national task force to examine how to bolster security for healthcare workers after the “horrific” rape and murder of a doctor sparked medical strikes and furious protests. — AFP
Indian female doctors are demanding safety after the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old colleague in Kolkata, sparking nationwide outrage and protests. The tragedy has highlighted the everyday risks faced by women in healthcare, including verbal and physical abuse, poor infrastructure, and a glaring lack of security measures.
For 28-year-old Dr. Radhika, saving lives was her childhood dream, but the brutal attack on her colleague has made her own safety a growing concern. The body of the murdered doctor, referred to as “Abhaya” (meaning “fearless”) by protesters, was found in a seminar hall at the government-run hospital where Radhika works. The incident has led to widespread anger over the lack of security for female doctors, sparking medical strikes and protests across the country.
Radhika, who spoke under a pseudonym to protect her identity, described the long, exhausting hours that healthcare workers endure, often without adequate rest or basic facilities. She emphasized that the tragic fate of her colleague could happen to any female doctor, highlighting the urgent need for institutional safety reforms.
Alarming Frequency of Attacks on Female Medics
Violence against female healthcare workers in India is alarmingly common. According to data, women constitute nearly 30 percent of doctors and 80 percent of nursing staff in the country, making them particularly vulnerable to such attacks. In response to the recent tragedy, India’s Supreme Court has ordered the creation of a national task force to improve security measures for healthcare workers, acknowledging the “shocking” nature of the incident.
The court pointed out the lack of CCTV cameras and inadequate visitor screening in hospitals, which contribute to the unsafe environment. Medical professionals, including those at KC General Hospital in Bengaluru, have called for “airport-like security” measures, such as police presence on hospital campuses, to ensure the safety of their staff.
Poor Infrastructure and Daily Abuse
Female doctors also face daily struggles with inadequate infrastructure. Radhika described restrooms that are shared between men and women, often lacking locks, which leave female doctors vulnerable. She recounted a terrifying experience when two men barged into a room while she was resting, leaving her shaken and fearful.
The situation is even worse in regions like Kashmir, where doctors sometimes prefer to use washrooms in neighboring houses due to the poor conditions in the hospitals. Dr. Rubeena Bhat from Kashmir and other female doctors across India have voiced their concerns about the lack of basic facilities and the constant threat of abuse, which ranges from verbal insults to physical molestation.
Continued Commitment Despite Fears
Despite these challenges, many female doctors remain committed to their profession. Radhika, for instance, expressed her determination to continue her work in healthcare, vowing to fight for safer conditions for herself and her colleagues. The murder of “Abhaya” has served as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by women in healthcare, but it has also galvanized a movement calling for much-needed reforms to protect those who save lives.