Indian medics widen strikes after doctor's rape and murder

All hospital services in India except for emergency care will shut down today as doctors escalate a protest over the rape and murder of a colleague by calling for a national strike.

- Amrit Dhillon

Monday's strike was more limited, affecting only government hospitals and elective surgeries. Today's, called by the Indian Medical Association, will cause massive disruption for 24 hours. All outpatient services and treatment in government and private hospitals will be cancelled.

Dr Johnrose Jayalal, a former president of the association, said public anger was so high that the association felt compelled to intensify the strike - thought to be the biggest in a decade - to force action.

"Look, 50% of doctors are women, 90% of nursing staff are women. We want the government to take responsibility for ensuring their safety by declaring hospitals as protection zones [with security measures], just like airports and the courts," he said.