Bhubaneswar: Amid a nationwide outcry over the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata, doctors here, apart from staging protests, are also taking steps to protect themselves by learning self-defence techniques. They are also carrying pepper sprays, portable knives and other protective devices on hospital campuses.
“We never imagined it would come to this, but the incident in Kolkata has shaken us to the core.We must be prepared for any situation. We have learned self-defence techniques from friends and started carrying pepper spray and other protective devices. It is terrifying to think this could happen to any of us,” said a doctor in the city who requested anonymity.
The protests are part of a broader national movement calling for stricter laws and better security in hospitals. “We’re asking for laws to deter such heinous crimes, but until that happens, we cannot afford to be vulnerable. Learning self-defence gives us some peace of mind, knowing we can at least try to protect ourselves if something were to happen,” said Deepak Ghuge, a city doctor.
The protesting doctors said earlier their parents would advise them to stay at the hospital after night duty as it is safer than travelling at night. They also raised concerns about unauthorised entry into the campus at night, inadequate number of security personnel, insufficient CCTV cameras, and the lack of on-call restrooms.
Bhagyashree Divi, a junior doctor, said, “A lot can be done to ensure safety at our workplace, starting with improving security and enhancing infrastructure. The govt must take our concerns seriously. We are on the frontline, saving lives every day. The govt must ensure we are protected while doing so.”
Dr Kajal Das said the Kolkata incident was a failure of society and the system at large. “While we cannot change society overnight, we are determined to take safety into our own hands until effective measures are in place,” she added.

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