Two separate incidents of sexual assault against women at hospitals in West Bengal have sent shockwaves through the state. The first incident occurred at Howrah District Headquarters Hospital, where a 12-year-old girl, admitted to the hospital last week, was allegedly molested by a laboratory technician on Saturday evening. According to a family member of the victim, the girl emerged from the laboratory in tears, alleging that the technician had touched her inappropriately. The accused also allegedly threatened her with dire consequences if she reported the abuse. The police are currently investigating the matter.
In response to the incident, members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the CPI(M), staged a protest at the hospital on Sunday, demanding the resignation of the hospital superintendent.
Meanwhile, a similar incident unfolded at Illambazar Block Hospital in Birbhum district, where a nurse was allegedly molested and verbally abused by a male patient. The incident took place late Saturday night, when the patient, admitted with high fever, allegedly began abusing the nurse while she was administering treatment. The patient then reportedly touched her inappropriately. The hospital authorities immediately contacted the police, who apprehended the patient and sent him to Bolpur Sub-divisional Hospital for treatment.
“The patient started abusing me as soon as he arrived,” the nurse recounted, adding, “I ignored and started treating him, but suddenly he touched me inappropriately while I was administering saline.”
Doctors and other healthcare staff at the hospital held a protest rally on Sunday, demanding round-the-clock security for medical personnel. One nurse highlighted the ongoing concern for their safety, stating, “Despite the R G Kar incident, not much has changed regarding our security.”
This statement refers to a tragic incident that occurred on August 9th, where a trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. She was brutally raped and murdered by a civic volunteer. The incident sparked widespread protests across West Bengal and other parts of the country.
These recent incidents have once again brought to light the vulnerability of women working in healthcare settings and the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect them. The West Bengal government faces mounting pressure to address these issues and ensure the safety of healthcare workers.
