Protesting junior doctors in West Bengal on Thursday held a meeting to decide their future after a section of senior doctors urged them to reconsider their ‘absolutely quit’ job due to the plight of ordinary patients.
Earlier on October 1, protesting junior doctors in West Bengal resumed their ‘complete strike’ to demand various demands, including ensuring their safety and security in all medical facilities following the rape and killing of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical Center and hospital.
Speaking to news agency PTI, one of the protesting doctors, Aniket Mahato, said, “We will have a general board meeting at RG Kar Hospital soon. It may take some time, but we will inform you about our decision tomorrow morning.”
When asked if they would consider a partial withdrawal of the agitation due to the ongoing suffering of patients, the flood situation, and the upcoming Durga Puja festival, Mahato replied, “We will discuss everything. We need to assess the current situation from the beginning. Security demands have so far not been addressed by the government.”
While the requests of several senior doctors to resume certain services, such as out-patient department (OPD) care, are being considered, the “complete stoppage of work” will remain in place until the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front officially announces its next steps.
Senior doctor Maitrayee Bandyopadhyay, head of the microbiology department at RG Kar Hospital, said, “We all want justice for the woman doctor who was raped. Agitation and work can go on simultaneously.”
Junior doctors went on strike for 41 days after the killing of a former doctor on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
They ended their strike on 21 September after talks with government officials and resumed essential services, following instructions aimed at ensuring safety and efficient health services.
However, following the attack on doctors and nurses by the family of a deceased patient at the Sagore Dutta Hospital, the situation worsened again.