Maldives’ doctors: India rape case highlights urgent need to ensure safety of medical professionals

The Maldivian Medical Association has called for urgency in ensuring safety and security of all medical professionals in the wake of the Indian doctor’s rape and murder.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the association condemned the senseless violence against a healthcare professional and said they are deeply saddened and outraged by the horrific news.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the victim’s family, friends, and colleagues during this unimaginable time,” the association said in its statement, and affirmed solidarity in sharing the grief and pain of the family and relatives.

While highlighting the urgency to ensure safety and security of medical professionals, the association called upon the authorities to take immediate and decisive action to prevent such crimes happening in the future.

“As a community, we are committed to supporting each other and upholding the principles of compassion, care, and justice,” the association added and affirmed that this act of brutality will not deter the mission of medical professionals to “heal and serve humanity.”

The Maldivian Medical Association concluded its statement affirming it will continue to “honour the memory” of their colleague by advocating for stronger protections and standing against violence in all its forms.

The 31-year-old trainee doctor, who worked at the Kolkata’s government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, was found dead by her colleagues earlier on August 09^th. She had reportedly fell asleep in a seminar room at the hospital she worked after a long shift.

While the autopsy report showed signs of sexual violence, a volunteer of the police, identified as Sanjay Roy, has been arrested and charged with the doctor’s murder.

The incident sparked mass protests in India led by doctors from all across the country, with hundreds of thousands of doctors leaving their posts.

Earlier on Saturday, close to 400,000 doctors from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) – the largest doctors’ group in the country – held a 24-hour strike while over the past few days, some physicians have attempted to set up limited free care as part of their demonstrations, and most have refused to see non-emergency patients.

Though Indian government officials demanded the protesting doctors to return to work as usual, they have refused until their demands are met.

Meanwhile, the Indian Supreme Court has ordered a national task force to be set up to improve doctors’ workplace safety and security after the incident.