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The tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024 has sparked widespread protests and outrage in West Bengal. Junior doctors, demanding justice for their colleague and improvements in safety measures, have engaged in a work boycott, bringing healthcare services to a standstill. The situation has escalated into a political crisis, with the state government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee facing mounting pressure to address the grievances of the protesting doctors.
The doctors, represented by the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front, have sent a four-page letter to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the issues they face, including a lack of infrastructure and facilities, and a culture of fear that they perceive within the hospital. They are seeking intervention from the central government to ensure justice for the victim and improve the working conditions for healthcare professionals. Copies of the letter were also sent to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and Union Health Minister JP Nadda.
The protests have garnered support from various political parties. The CPI(M)-led Left Front organized a protest march to the Kolkata police headquarters, demanding the resignation of Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal over alleged mishandling of the case. They accused the TMC government of negligence and demanded a CBI probe into the incident. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee, facing mounting criticism, stated that she was ready to resign in the “interest of the people,” a move interpreted by many as an attempt to de-escalate the situation. However, this offer was met with skepticism from the opposition and the protesting doctors, who remain adamant in their demands for a thorough investigation and concrete action to address the safety concerns raised.
The Supreme Court, in an attempt to resolve the deadlock, had asked the doctors to return to work by Tuesday, but the impasse remains unresolved. The Bengal government and the protesting doctors are at loggerheads over the conditions for ending the work boycott. The incident has exposed the deep divisions and mistrust between the state government and the medical community, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to address the systemic issues within the healthcare system and ensure the safety and well-being of all healthcare professionals.
Source: Doctors on Protest Write To President, PM Seeking Intervention Amid Deadlock With Mamata Govt