The Delhi Police's Central District has launched a special self-defense training program to equip female doctors with vital skills for their safety, following concerns raised after the Kolkata tragedy. The initiative, led by Sub-Inspector Kiran Sethi, a trained self-defense instructor, is conducted under the slogan, "Be Strong, Be Safe, Be Unstoppable." This program aims to empower women with essential self-defense techniques, reflecting the heightened need for safety measures in light of incidents like the Kolkata tragedy.

The program is being conducted across multiple hospitals in Delhi under the supervision of DCP Central District, M. Harshvardhan. It follows the tragic rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital. In response, Delhi Police aims to prevent such incidents by training female medical students and junior doctors to defend themselves.

Kolkata tragedy
Image Source: bwpoliceworld.com

The Impact of the Kolkata Tragedy on Women's Safety in Healthcare

The sessions are being held at several hospitals, including Safdarjung Hospital, one of Delhi’s largest healthcare facilities. Over 100 female doctors have participated so far in the training, which runs from September 17th to 20th. Participants, including medical students and junior doctors from various colleges, are learning essential self-defense techniques to better protect themselves.

Sub-Inspector Sethi, who leads the initiative, is in charge of the all-women police post at GB Road, Delhi’s red-light district. Alongside self-defense expert Shiv Kumar Kohli, she has trained over a million women in self-defense techniques to date. 

The program has received positive feedback from participants, many of whom reported feeling a newfound sense of confidence and security. By teaching these critical skills, the Delhi Police hopes to create a safer environment for female healthcare professionals in the capital, amid rising concerns about crime against women.

The tragedy in Kolkata sparked nationwide protests, with thousands of doctors striking in response. Despite multiple rounds of talks with the state government, the protests in Kolkata continue.

You might also be interested in - Junior doctor’s protest in Kolkata exposes deeper crisis in West Bengal’s healthcare system