Kolkata Medic’s Rape & Murder sparks new Fear for Female Doctors

The rape and murder of trainee medic Moumita Debnath in Kolkata has sparked a new fear among female doctors across India.

Kolkata Medic's Rape & Murder sparks new Fear for Female Doctors f

"Now that sense of safety has gone."

The rape and murder of a trainee medic in Kolkata has led to a new fear among female doctors across India.

Moumita Debnath’s brutalised body was discovered in a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College, where she had gone to take a break.

An autopsy revealed she had been raped and sexually assaulted before being strangled to death.

The postmortem report also revealed that around 150mg of semen was found in the vaginal swab.

The finding, along with the extent of injuries, led to suggestions that Moumita may have been gang-raped.

However, Kolkata Police dismissed the claims as rumours.

The crime sparked outrage and doctors have held protests across the country. Doctors have also refused to see non-emergency patients.

But for female doctors, the crime has sparked a new fear.

Dr Rooma Sinha, a gynaecologist at Apollo hospital in Hyderabad, said:

“I’d stride into hospital at 2 am or 3 am and think nothing of it.

“My white coat was like a circle of protection around me. Now that sense of safety has gone.”

Dr Preeti Shetty, who works at the Apollo branch in Bangalore, said the violent crime has left female doctors deeply disturbed.

She said: “We have all done night shifts, responded to calls at every hour of the day, and gone off for deliveries at night as totally routine things.

“Totally routine for us as doctors. To think that such a hideous thing could happen during our normal routine is very unsettling for all of us.”

Dr Shetty explained that she has a duty doctor’s room next to the labour ward where she can take a break, where only authorised staff can enter.

For night shifts, she uses a hospital car.

However, at RG Kar Medical College, there are fewer safety measures.

Civic volunteer Sanjoy Roy, who was arrested in connection with the crime, was able to access any part of the hospital.

In response to the striking doctors, the government announced a 25% increase in security personnel at all government hospitals, along with marshals to handle extreme situations.

India’s Supreme Court also ordered the creation of a national taskforce of doctors to make recommendations on safety at their workplace.

Dr Shetty worries about medical students who will be entering hospitals as resident doctors.

She said: “They have worked so hard to pass competitive exams.

“Their parents have made sacrifices to pay for their education. And now parents have a new fear to worry about.”

There are more female doctors than ever in India.

Dr Subashini Venkatesh, a general physician with Apollo in Chennai, has already started behaving differently with her staff.

She explained: “I have an intern working with me and I’m asking: ‘Where have you parked your car, is it well-lit and let me know when you have reached your room.’ This is totally new.”

While Dr Sinha appreciates the public outrage over the crime, she stated that no distinctions should be made.

She said: “Yes, I know doctors serve the public but so do other women – women working nights in call centres or as software engineers.

“Women should feel safe in all workplaces.”

Lead Editor Dhiren is our news and content editor who loves all things football. He also has a passion for gaming and watching films. His motto is to "Live life one day at a time".




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