Doctors stage protest in India after woman doctor stabbed to death

Doctors at government-run hospitals in the southern Indian state of Kerala Wednesday began a strike to protest the killing of a woman doctor, who was stabbed by a man brought in by police for medical treatment, officials said, reported Xinhua.

The doctors affiliated with the Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA) and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) have started a statewide protest over the death of the doctor, demanding strict action against the accused in order to prevent the recurrence of such attacks.

According to the KGMOA, only emergency services will be provided at the hospitals in the state.

A 23-year-old doctor was stabbed to death on Wednesday morning at a hospital in Kottarakkara area of the state's Kollam district allegedly by a man, who was brought there by police for treatment.

According to the police, while the man was being treated for the wound in his leg, he suddenly got provoked and attacked everyone standing there, including Dr. Vandana Das, using a scissor and scalpel. The doctor sustained multiple stab injuries on her chest and neck in the attack and later succumbed to these injuries.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the death of the doctor and said the incident was "shocking and extremely painful." He said a thorough investigation will be conducted into the attack.

"Assaulting health workers in the line of duty is unacceptable. A thorough investigation will be conducted into the incident. The government will take strong action against attacks on doctors and health workers," Vijayan said in a statement.

Local media reported doctors in Kerala have witnessed many attacks inside hospitals while on duty. They have been demanding effective protection against such attacks and strict police action against the accused.