Kolkata: A nationwide movement is gaining momentum, demanding justice for the rape and murder of a young woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. In response to the escalating protests, doctors across Bengal have gone on strike, severely disrupting health services. The West Bengal government’s decision to transfer 42 doctors has further fueled tensions, leading to a swift retraction of the order within 24 hours.
The controversy began when the state’s Health and Family Welfare Department issued a notification on Friday announcing the transfer of 42 doctors. The move was met with widespread backlash, with critics, including the BJP, accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government of punitive action against those who protested the horrific incident at RG Kar Hospital. The United Doctors Front Association also condemned the transfers, stating that such measures would not deter their demand for justice.
Facing intense opposition, the government was compelled to cancel the transfer order. State Health Secretary Narayanswaroop Nigam addressed the media on Saturday, stating that the transfers had been planned months ago and were not connected to the protests. “The transfer process began nearly two months prior to the 9 August incident at RG Kar Hospital. Delays occurred due to administrative issues like correcting name spellings,” Nigam explained. However, he noted that the decision was reversed to prevent any further disruption to essential health services.
The Health Secretary added that the government’s priority is ensuring uninterrupted medical care, which would be compromised by shifting doctors during ongoing unrest. “The transfer order is cancelled immediately, and further decisions regarding the matter will be announced in due course,” he said.
The decision to withdraw the transfers highlights the growing pressure on the Mamata Banerjee administration as protests intensify across the state. The movement for justice in the RG Kar Hospital case shows no signs of abating, with the medical community and activists united in their resolve to continue their agitation until concrete actions are taken.
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