More Bengal Doctors Resign as Talks with Junior Medics Stall
The protests continue as doctors and their supporters push for justice and reforms, seeking safety and security in West Bengal's hospitals.
The doctors’ protest in West Bengal escalated on Wednesday as more senior doctors from government-run hospitals resigned in solidarity with the junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College. The junior doctors are demanding justice for their colleague, who was brutally raped and murdered at the hospital in August.
On Wednesday evening, state chief secretary Manoj Pant invited junior doctors for a meeting with government officials, including the state’s home secretary and police director general. Although 29 junior doctors attended the talks, the meeting failed to resolve the deadlock. Junior doctor Debasish Halder expressed frustration, stating that they only received verbal assurances and no firm directives or timelines. The government requested the hunger strike end, but the doctors refused, as some had been on strike for over 100 hours.
This comes after 50 senior doctors from RG Kar hospital resigned on Tuesday. By Wednesday night, the number of resigning doctors had reached 106 at RG Kar, with more resignations from Jalpaiguri, North Bengal, Calcutta National Medical College, and other institutions. While resignations have not affected healthcare services significantly, they send a powerful message to the state government, calling for action.
Meanwhile, junior doctors continued their hunger strike, demanding swift justice for their colleague and increased security at hospitals. They also organized rallies, marching to Durga Puja pandals and distributing leaflets to raise awareness about their demands. The protesters have outlined 10 key demands, including justice for the victim, removal of the state health secretary, and enhanced hospital infrastructure.
The protest has garnered public attention, with West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose meeting junior doctors to check on their health. Junior doctors also plan to visit more Puja pandals to inform citizens of their movement. Despite the CBI filing a charge sheet against prime accused Sanjay Roy, junior doctors remain unsatisfied, criticizing the investigation and demanding a thorough probe into hospital threats and safety issues.
The protests continue as doctors and their supporters push for justice and reforms, seeking safety and security in West Bengal’s hospitals.
