Junior doctors in West Bengal are threatening to resume a total strike after a series of violent incidents at state-run hospitals. This decision comes after three doctors and three nurses were assaulted at the College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital near Kolkata on September 27th, following the death of a patient. The protesting doctors expressed deep disappointment with the state government’s failure to provide adequate security at hospitals.
The doctors have given the West Bengal government until 5 pm on Sunday to present their plans for improving security at the Supreme Court hearing on Monday. One of the junior doctors stated, “We are giving the state some time and want to hear their submission regarding our security during the Supreme Court hearing on Monday and then from 5 pm, we will start total ‘cease work’ at all hospitals across Bengal.” They are deeply critical of the state government’s inaction, stating that they have lost faith in their ability to provide a safe working environment.
The assault at Sagore Dutta Hospital comes just over a month after a post graduate trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9th. The tragic incident sparked widespread protests among medical professionals across the country, leading to a 42-day strike that ended on September 21st.
Four individuals have been detained in connection with the attack at Sagore Dutta Hospital, reported ANI. Barrackpore Commissioner of Police Alok Rajoria confirmed the arrests after visiting the hospital to meet with the protesting junior doctors. The doctors’ threat of a strike highlights the deep-seated concerns about safety and security within the healthcare system in West Bengal, and raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to protecting its medical professionals.
