The tragic rape and murder of a second-year PG student at RG Kar Medical College has sent shockwaves through the medical community in India. In response, resident doctors at major hospitals, including AIIMS, Safdarjung, RML, and Maulana Azad Medical College, have launched a strike, halting all non-emergency medical services.

Dr. Aviral Mathur, President of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (Forda)-India, expressed grave concern over the incident, which he described as both horrific and shocking. Forda, representing over 500,000 doctors working in government hospitals across India, has voiced strong demands for action.

“If a female doctor is not safe, then who is?” Dr. Mathur questioned during an interview with Drug Today Medical Times. He stressed that the safety of doctors, especially female practitioners, must be prioritised and called for the implementation of the Central Protection Act to ensure their protection in hospital settings.

The strike by resident doctors includes the suspension of elective and non-emergency services, while emergency care continues. Dr. Mathur acknowledged the difficulty of this action but emphasized that the severity of the situation necessitates it. “We have crossed a critical limit,” he said. “If our female doctors are not safe at their place of duty, then who is?”

The victim was discovered dead in a seminar room early in the morning during her shift. Preliminary reports indicate she was raped and murdered. The accused have yet to be arrested, and Dr. Mathur has called for an independent investigation by the CBI to ensure justice is served.

“We demand an independent inquiry by the CBI, implementation of the Central Protection Act, and compensation for the victim's family,” Dr. Mathur said. “The fulfillment of these demands by the authorities at RG Kar Medical College will determine the cessation of our strike.”

The incident has underscored the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and protective legislation for medical professionals. The medical community remains vigilant, demanding swift action and justice.