Kolkata: In a significant development, junior doctors in West Bengal announced on Saturday night their decision to resume a total ‘cease work’ across medical colleges in the state, following the Supreme Court’s hearing of the RG Kar case scheduled for Monday. The announcement comes in the wake of an attack on medical staff at Sagore Dutta Hospital, which the doctors claim highlights the state government's failure to uphold its promises regarding their safety and security.
The junior doctors expressed their discontent, stating, “The recent attack has shown that the state government has totally failed in ensuring our security.” In a show of good faith, the doctors indicated that they would allow the state some time to present its submissions concerning their safety during the Supreme Court hearing. “We want to hear the state’s stance on our security on Monday. Following that, we will commence a total cease work at all hospitals across Bengal starting at 5 PM,” one of the junior doctors declared.
This decision marks a return to a more intense form of protest, as junior doctors had only recently resumed partial duties after a 42-day hiatus in response to the tragic incident involving the rape-murder of an on-duty woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on September 21.
The ongoing concerns over safety and security for medical professionals have fueled tensions in the healthcare sector, prompting the doctors to take a stand once again. The situation continues to develop, with many eyes on the Supreme Court hearing and the subsequent reactions from the state government and medical community. As the doctors prepare to take action, the health services in West Bengal may face further disruptions unless a resolution is achieved.