Doctors in West Bengal will continue their strike after a colleague’s rape and murder at RG Kar Hospital, despite the Supreme Court’s appeal. Unlike AIIMS Delhi doctors who ended their protest, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front remains steadfast.
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KOLKATA: In a determined show of protest, doctors in West Bengal have decided to continue their strike following the tragic rape and murder of a fellow doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital. Despite the Supreme Court‘s appeal to medical professionals to resume work, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front has chosen not to call off their protest, diverging from the decision made by their counterparts at AIIMS Delhi, who ended their nearly two-week-long strike earlier today.
The Supreme Court had provided assurances that “no stringent action” would be taken against the striking doctors. However, the West Bengal medical community remains resolute in their demand for justice and safety.
Earlier today, the resident doctors at Delhi’s AIIMS hospital decided to end their prolonged strike, which had lasted nearly two weeks. The strike was initially sparked by the horrific incident at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, which sent shockwaves across the nation.
In a statement, the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of AIIMS announced that they had called off their strike after receiving assurances from the Supreme Court. The court, which had taken up the matter on a suo motu basis, urged doctors nationwide to “please trust us” and return to their duties. This appeal was made in light of the pressing need for medical services amidst the ongoing healthcare demands.
The solidarity movement has extended beyond Delhi. Doctors under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation also called off their strike today, joining the national call for a return to work. Similarly, the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) has ended its strike but emphasized that their support for RG Kar Medical College and Hospital remains unwavering.
In their statement, FORDA expressed their commitment to ongoing peaceful demonstrations:
“We will organize a peaceful march weekly, in coordination with other Resident Doctors’ Associations in Delhi, to show solidarity and support for RG Kar College.”
The Supreme Court, while addressing the grave incident at RG Kar Hospital, made several significant observations regarding the handling of the situation. The court took a strong stance against the conduct of the college’s principal and the subsequent investigation, highlighting the need for thorough and transparent proceedings.
Chief Justice of India, Dy Chandrachud, made a heartfelt appeal to the medical community, saying-
“We sincerely appeal to all doctors: we are committed to ensuring their safety and protection. Please trust us; that’s why we have kept the matter out of the Calcutta High Court’s hands.”
As part of its directives, the Supreme Court ordered the formation of a 10-member task force dedicated to preventing violence against medical professionals and ensuring safe working conditions. This task force is expected to make recommendations that will be crucial in shaping future policies aimed at protecting healthcare workers.
Additionally, the court instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is leading the investigation, to file a status report on the case. The West Bengal government was also directed to submit a report on the recent vandalism that occurred at RG Kar Hospital, further intensifying the scrutiny on state authorities.
The tragic incident has not only sparked protests within the medical community but has also ignited a fierce political battle in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who holds the portfolios for both police and health in the state, has come under severe criticism from opposition parties, particularly the BJP.
The BJP, along with ally Congress, has launched a scathing attack on Ms. Banerjee, with increasing calls for her resignation. The opposition has accused her government of failing to protect the state’s healthcare workers and mishandling the situation at RG Kar Hospital.
