Bengal Doctors Resume Protest; “Total Cease-Work” From Today
Junior doctors in Bengal resumed their ‘indefinite’ strike on Tuesday, demanding the safety and security of medical professionals at all hospitals and clinics in the state following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Resuming their total cease-work, which began at 10 am today morning, the doctors alleged that there has not been a ‘positive approach’ from the state government, led by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee, to fulfil their demands.
Also Read | ‘Why Sadhguru Asks Others To Live Like Hermits When His Daughter Is Married, Settled’: Madras HC
The decision comes after doctors and medical staff were allegedly attacked by the relatives of a patient who had died during treatment in the state-run Sagore Dutta Medical College and Hospital (MCH) in North 24 Parganas. Following the incident, which occurred on Friday (September 27), the hospital’s medical staff went on a strike.
Four people have been arrested for the same, and hospital security has been tightened.
Amid a flood situation in West Bengal, the protesting doctors ended their 42-day cease-work protest and resumed duties partially on September 21.
A massive protest rally has been announced in Kolkata on October 2.
Chief Secretary Manoj Pant said that he has been in touch with the protesting doctors and work has begun, but it will require time. “To install CCTVs and build bathrooms and restrooms, time will be required, but the point is we are working. It’s a collaborative effort, and I am sure the results will be visible. We should not be impatient about it,” he said, as quoted by the NDTV.
Also Read | 15th Parole In 4 Years: Dera Chief’s Parole Connection With Polls
After the Supreme Court pulled up the TMC government over the progress in ensuring the safety of doctors, the government asked for time till October 15 to complete the remaining work, citing the floods in the state.
The protests began after a trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar MCH on August 9. Following an impasse, CM Mamata Banerjee assured the agitating doctors that the government will ensure the safety and security of doctors and all medical staff.
