The tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, where a young female pulmonary resident was brutally raped and murdered, is a chilling reminder of the dangers female doctors face in India. This shocking event sheds light on a widespread issue that has been largely ignored: the violence and exploitation endured by female medical residents in hospitals across the country. The problem extends beyond this single case, exposing systemic failures and the urgent need for protective measures and cultural change.
The Overburdened and Under Protected: The Life of a Female Resident Doctor Female resident doctors in India are expected to perform under immense pressure, working grueling shifts that often extend beyond 36 hours with little rest. These extreme working conditions have been shown to significantly increase the risk of medical errors, burnout, and mental health issues. According…