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The ongoing tensions between junior doctors and the West Bengal government escalated during the Durga Puja festivities, one of the most significant festivals in the state. Kolkata police intervened to prevent a planned rally by junior doctors, dubbed the “Abhaya Parikrama,” which aimed to raise awareness about their demands for justice and systemic improvements within the healthcare system. The doctors intended to visit prominent Durga Puja pandals in the city, distributing leaflets outlining their concerns to the public.
The doctors' protest was fueled by the tragic rape and murder of a fellow medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9th. This incident sparked a 42-day strike that ended on September 21st after the state government provided assurances to address the doctors' grievances. However, despite these promises, seven doctors remain on an indefinite strike that commenced on Saturday and is now in its fourth day. These ongoing protests underscore the deep-seated frustration and sense of injustice felt by junior doctors.
The core of the doctors' demands centers on seeking justice for their deceased colleague. Beyond this, they have outlined a series of broader reforms aimed at improving safety, accountability, and efficiency within the healthcare system. These include the removal of the Health Secretary, NS Nigam, due to perceived administrative failures, measures to combat corruption within the department, and the implementation of a centralized referral system for hospitals and medical colleges across the state. Additionally, they advocate for a bed vacancy monitoring system and the establishment of task forces to ensure essential provisions like CCTV cameras, on-call rooms, and adequate washrooms at all healthcare facilities.
The decision by Kolkata police to halt the doctors' rally raises questions about the government's commitment to addressing their concerns. The doctors' attempt to engage with the public during a time of widespread celebration suggests their desperation to be heard and their belief that systemic changes are urgently needed. As the Durga Puja celebrations reach their peak, the fate of these demands and the future of the doctors' protest remain uncertain.
Source: Kolkata police halts junior doctors' 'Abhaya Parikrama' rally at Durga puja pandals