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The junior doctors in West Bengal have resumed their indefinite and total 'cease work' protest, citing the West Bengal government's failure to address their demands for enhanced safety and security in hospitals. This follows a 42-day protest sparked by the rape and murder of an on-duty woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The doctors had partially resumed their duties on September 21, but the lack of progress on their demands has led them to escalate their protest.
The junior doctors have expressed their disappointment with the lack of positive response from the state government regarding their safety concerns. They claim that despite several meetings with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, their demands remain unmet. Furthermore, the doctors highlight that they continue to face threats and attacks within hospital environments, adding urgency to their calls for immediate action.
The junior doctors have also voiced their frustration with the pace of the CBI investigation into the rape-murder case. They believe that the investigation is moving too slowly and fear that delays in filing charges will allow the real perpetrators to go free. The slow progress of the investigation, coupled with the ongoing threats to their safety, has further galvanized the doctors' determination to continue their protest until their demands are met.
Beyond the safety and security concerns, the junior doctors have presented a list of nine demands, including the removal of the health secretary, the establishment of a centralized referral system, a digital bed vacancy monitoring system, and the formation of task forces to ensure adequate facilities such as CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms. They also advocate for increased police protection in hospitals, the recruitment of permanent female police personnel, and the immediate filling of all vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers.
The doctors' demands also extend to addressing corruption and administrative incompetence within the healthcare system. They call for an immediate inquiry into the West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) and the West Bengal Health Recruitment Board (WBHRB) to investigate allegations of rampant corruption and lawlessness. This comprehensive list of demands reflects the doctors' desire for systemic change within the healthcare system to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all healthcare workers.
The 'total cease work' has significantly impacted healthcare services at all state-run medical colleges and hospitals. Senior doctors have been deployed to IPDs, OPDs, and emergency services to manage the situation. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has expressed its dissatisfaction over the slow progress made by the West Bengal government in installing CCTVs and constructing toilets and separate resting rooms in government medical colleges. The court, hearing a suo motu case related to the rape and murder, has directed the state to complete the ongoing work by October 15. The bench noted that the progress of these essential safety measures is below 50% completion, highlighting the urgency of addressing these critical issues.
Source: RG Kar case: Junior doctors resumes protest accusing Bengal govt failed to fulfill demand