Kolkata: The strike by junior doctors in Kolkata has entered its 20th day, as they demand justice for the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Despite an appeal by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for them to return to work, the doctors have refused, stating that they will not back down until their demands are met.
A representative of the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Forum emphasised that the protest will continue until justice is delivered for their colleague. They have demanded the suspension of Dr. Sandeep Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, from health services, and similar action against the Kolkata Police Commissioner.
To amplify their demands, the junior doctors held a rally in the Shyambazar area of northern Kolkata. A forum member expressed appreciation for the chief minister’s support but maintained that returning to work was impossible until their demands were addressed. “We want to return to work, but it is not possible as of now as our demands have not been met yet,” the representative stated.
The agitating doctors have also called for elections in medical colleges, the inclusion of junior doctors and students in all decision-making committees of medical institutions, and enhanced safety measures at workplaces.
Addressing a rally organised by the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad, Mamata Banerjee expressed empathy for the doctors’ cause. “I have been sympathetic to the doctors from the very beginning as they have been demanding justice for their colleague. We have not taken any action against them, even though so many days have passed since the incident. We understand your pain. But, please get back to work now as patients are extremely upset,” Banerjee urged.
Despite the chief minister’s appeal, the doctors remain steadfast in their resolve, insisting that their protest will not end until their demands for justice and improved conditions are met.
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