Today, On 1st October, Junior doctors at R.G. Kar Medical College resumed their strike, expressing frustration over the slow pace of the CBI investigation into the college’s rape-murder case. They also criticized the Supreme Court for repeatedly postponing hearings related to the matter. The doctors are demanding swift action and accountability.
Kolkata: Junior doctors in West Bengal announced the resumption of their strike following the Supreme Court hearing on Monday concerning the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case, as well as alleged financial irregularities at the institution.
This decision made after an extended general body meeting that continued into early Tuesday morning.
During a press conference on Tuesday, the doctors expressed concern over the slow progress of the CBI investigation and disappointment with the Supreme Court’s hearings and the “lengthy judicial process.”
The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front said,
“We have seen many times before that the CBI has been unable to reach any conclusions, allowing the real culprits of such incidents to go free due to delays in filing charges.”
The junior doctors stated,
“The Supreme Court, which initially took the initiative to fast-track the trial of this horrific incident, has instead postponed hearings and shortened the actual duration of the proceedings,”
They also claimed that they had returned to work based on written directives from the state regarding the implementation of adequate safety and security measures, but no action has been taken yet.
They added,
“Ten days have passed since then, and we see no implementation of the government’s written directives anywhere,”
On Tuesday, the junior doctors pointed out that it has been 52 days since the heinous incident on August 9, yet security improvements have been minimal.
The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF) said,
“The CCTV cameras, which the state government touts as the primary indicator of safety, have only been installed in a small portion of the required locations in colleges over these 50 days,”
Appearing before a three-judge panel of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, the West Bengal government on Monday requested more time to enhance hospital safety and security, including installing CCTV cameras and renovating toilets.
The state aims to complete these improvements by October 15.
The striking doctors said in a statement released this morning,
“We are forced to resume a complete ‘ceasework’ starting today. Without clear action from the government on safety, patient services, and the politics of fear, we will have no option but to continue our full strike,”
The protesting junior doctors, who initially a five-point demand following the rape and murder incident at R.G. Kar Medical College, have now expanded their list to 10 demands.
Some of their new demands include implementing a central referral system across all government hospitals, establishing a monitoring system for vacant hospital beds, holding student elections at every medical college, filling vacant hospital positions, and launching an urgent investigation into corruption and embezzlement allegations within the West Bengal Medical Council and the West Bengal Health Recruitment Board.
The decision to resume a “total cease work” comes after an alleged attack on doctors and nurses at Kolkata College of Medicine & Sagore Dutta Hospital last week, which had prompted prior warnings of renewed protests.
Expressing frustration with the state government, the junior doctors said,
“We want to remind the government that we are not protesting merely for paper promises; we are protesting for a genuine, people-oriented change in the state’s healthcare system, so that patients receive proper services and doctors and healthcare workers are ensured a safe, fear-free workplace.”