Female Doctors Fear for Safety After Brutal Murder of Colleague in Kolkata Hospital

GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 21st August. The recent brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old female doctor at a government-run hospital in Kolkata has sparked widespread outrage, highlighting the growing safety concerns among female healthcare workers. Dr. Radhika, a 28-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, expressed fear for her safety, emphasizing that this tragedy could have happened to any of them.

The incident occurred earlier this month, with the victim’s battered and bloodied body found in the hospital’s seminar hall, where she had likely gone for a break during a long shift. The attack has not only ignited protests and medical strikes but also drawn attention to the lack of security measures for female doctors in India, where they make up nearly 30% of the workforce.

The Supreme Court of India has intervened, ordering a national task force to examine and bolster security measures for healthcare workers, citing the brutality of the killing as a shocking incident that has “shocked the conscience of the nation.” The court’s order highlighted the absence of CCTV cameras and inadequate screening of visitors for weapons in hospitals.

Female doctors across the country are now demanding better security at their workplaces. In Bengaluru, Medical Superintendent Indira Kabade has called for “airport-like security” inside hospital campuses, including the presence of police officers. The lack of proper sanitation and secure rest areas for female medics further exacerbates their vulnerability, with shared restrooms often lacking basic safety features like locks.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Radhika and her colleagues remain committed to their profession, vowing to continue their service in the healthcare sector while advocating for safer working conditions.