In a renewed call for better security at state-run hospitals, junior doctors in West Bengal have resumed their strike, announcing a “total cease-work” starting today. This decision follows an unsatisfactory response from the state government regarding their demands for improved safety measures after the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The doctors are adamant about their need for immediate action from the authorities, citing an increasing number of violent incidents against healthcare professionals.
A Return to Protest
The junior doctors had partially resumed their duties on September 21 after a 42-day protest in response to the RG Kar Medical College incident. The decision to return to work temporarily was made to help with the flood situation plaguing the state at the time. However, due to the lack of meaningful progress by the government in addressing their demands, the doctors have once again initiated a full suspension of work. The total cease-work began at 10 am this morning.
Violence Against Doctors Continues
The latest wave of protests was triggered by yet another incident of violence. Doctors at the state-run Sagore Dutta Medical College and Hospital reported being assaulted by relatives of a patient who had passed away during treatment. This attack has amplified the doctors’ fears and reinforced their calls for enhanced security measures at hospitals across the state.
Government’s Lack of Response
The doctors’ main grievance is the lack of a “positive approach” from the state government in addressing the issue of workplace safety. Speaking to PTI, Dr. Aniket Mahato, one of the protesting doctors, voiced his frustration over the government’s inaction. “Today is the 52nd day of our protest, and despite the ongoing attacks on healthcare workers, there has been no significant attempt to fulfill the promises made during our meetings with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. We are left with no choice but to resort to a full cease-work,” he said.
The protests are planned to intensify, with the doctors organizing a major rally in Kolkata on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Mahalaya, the start of the 10-day Durga Puja festival. This protest rally is expected to gather significant attention and amplify the doctors’ call for action.
Court Involvement
During a Supreme Court hearing earlier this week, the Bengal government was reprimanded for the slow progress in implementing a security mechanism for doctors in the state. The government cited the ongoing flood situation as a reason for the delay, stating that only 26% of the necessary security improvements had been completed. They requested an extension until October 15 to fulfill the rest of the work, emphasizing the need to follow due process when awarding security contracts.
The government’s response has done little to alleviate the concerns of the doctors, who remain steadfast in their decision to cease work. The Supreme Court’s criticism adds pressure on the state administration to act swiftly and implement comprehensive security protocols to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals.
A Widespread Outcry
The initial protest was sparked by the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, a crime that shook the entire country. Doctors across West Bengal declared strikes in the immediate aftermath of the incident, demanding the government take concrete steps to prevent further violence against healthcare workers.
At that time, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured the doctors that her administration would address their concerns. However, nearly two months later, the doctors claim that no substantial changes have been made to improve hospital security, forcing them to take up the cause once again.
Next Steps
The ongoing protests have already disrupted medical services across West Bengal, and the full cease-work is expected to exacerbate the situation further. The doctors’ demands include the implementation of robust security protocols in hospitals and a quicker response from the government in ensuring their safety at the workplace.
As the protest movement gains momentum, it remains to be seen how the state government will respond to the escalating situation. The upcoming protest rally on October 2 is expected to serve as a crucial turning point in the doctors’ campaign, and the Supreme Court’s involvement may further hasten the implementation of security measures.
While the doctors of West Bengal express their willingness to continue their fight for a safer working environment, patients across the state face disruptions in medical care, placing even more pressure on the government to find a resolution.
The resumption of the “total cease-work” by junior doctors in West Bengal highlights the ongoing concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals in the state. With violent incidents continuing to occur and the government’s response being deemed insufficient, the doctors have no choice but to escalate their protests. The situation demands urgent action from the state administration to address the safety concerns and restore normalcy to the healthcare system. As the protests continue, all eyes are on the government’s next move and whether it will fulfill its promises to protect its healthcare workers.