Indian doctors held a nationwide strike on Saturday, intensifying protests against the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old colleague in Kolkata.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident has sparked widespread outrage and demands for action against chronic violence against women.
“Hands that heal shouldn’t bleed,” read a sign held by a protester in Kolkata, where thousands held a candle-lit vigil. “Enough is enough,” read another at a rally by doctors in New Delhi.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) called the killing “barbaric” and demanded a thorough overhaul of working and living conditions for resident doctors.
“We ask for the understanding and support of the nation in this struggle for justice for its doctors and daughters,” IMA chief R.V. Asokan said.
Doctors are demanding the implementation of the Central Protection Act to safeguard healthcare workers from violence. “There is a lack of proper infrastructure,” said Dr. Akanksha Tyagi, a resident doctor in New Delhi. “After working for 24-36 hours at a stretch, there’s no proper place for us to rest.”
The strike disrupted outpatient services, with many patients turned away from hospitals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has demanded swift punishment for those who commit “monstrous” deeds against women.
