Junior doctors in West Bengal have announced a statewide strike scheduled for October 22 unless their demands are met by the state government. The protests stem from the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in August, leading to nearly two months of demonstrations by the medical community.
During a press conference, Debasish Halder, one of the protesting junior doctors, emphasized the urgency of their situation, stating, “We want the chief minister (Mamata Banerjee) to sit for a discussion and implement all our demands.” The doctors have set a deadline for the government to respond by October 21, warning that failure to do so will compel both junior and senior doctors from government and private healthcare facilities to join the strike on Tuesday.
The agitating medics are demanding justice for their late colleague, as well as improved workplace safety, a centralized referral system, and reforms in healthcare infrastructure. Halder further noted, “Our colleagues are holding a fast-unto-death. If the chief minister does not act by Monday, we will be forced to go on a strike on Tuesday.”
Sayantani Ghosh Hazra, another protesting doctor, expressed frustration over Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s absence during the ongoing protests. “She is the guardian of the state, and we are like her children. Could she not visit us once over our valid demands?” Hazra, who has been on a fast since October 5, questioned the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns.
The doctors are also calling for the immediate removal of West Bengal Health Secretary N. S. Nigam, enhanced security measures in hospitals, the installation of CCTV cameras, and the establishment of proper on-call rooms and washrooms. Additionally, they are advocating for the implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system to improve patient care across hospitals.
As the deadline approaches, the situation remains tense, with the medical community urging swift action from the state government to ensure the safety and rights of healthcare professionals.
Sources By Agencies