Striking junior doctors in state-run hospitals in West Bengal extended their protests on Tuesday, they have insulted a Supreme Court order to return to work. Instead, they protested outside the state health ministry, sitting at the doorstep and demanding the ouster of several officials due to increasing tension after a dreadful rape and murder of a doctor.
The striking medics condemned the decision of the Supreme Court, which prompted them to find ways to protect themselves while serving their clients. The doctors left Karunamoyee and went up to Swasthya Bhavan, where the police blocked them, but they continued making their grievances known. “We have until 5 pm to be heard by the state government,” said an angry doctor, who vowed that the strike would continue until the demands of the protesters were met.
The junior doctors, who have been on strike since August 9, are demanding the resignation of the city police commissioner, health secretary, and other officials and security measures for hospitals. To our surprise, the efficacy of the FHSP was questioned in one doctor’s interview when the doctor stressed the importance of fighting corruption in the healthcare sector.
Health Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had waited until 7:30 in the evening for the doctors to respond to the invitation to negotiate but did not hear any word from the striking doctors. The doctors said they had not been approached appropriately and described the government’s approach as dismissive.
The demonstrations began following the end of the postgraduate medical student, whose body was recovered from RG Kar Hospital, which fanned greater public uproar and demand for justice. This led to worsening relations as an investigation was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
However, despite the Supreme Court’s stern words that absence from work would not be tolerated and could be punished, the doctors are not giving any grounds. Chief Minister Banerjee also asked for their return to duty, proposing that they form a small team to come and meet with her in person.
In response, junior doctors continue to stage rallies and insist on safety and fairness in the healthcare system.
