Doctors at RG Kar Hospital in Bengal Resume Partial Duties After 42-Day Protest
Junior doctors at various government-run hospitals in West Bengal have decided to partially resume their duties after a hiatus of 42 days. The protest was sparked by the tragic rape-murder of an on-duty woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. While the doctors have returned to provide essential and emergency services at all state-run hospitals, they are still refraining from working in the outpatient departments (OPDs).
Aniket Mahato, one of the protesting doctors, mentioned that they have started rejoining duties, with their colleagues returning to their respective departments for essential and emergency services. However, the OPDs remain closed as part of the ongoing protest. Aniket, along with colleagues Lahri Sarkar and Raktim Majumder, even performed a surgery on a woman patient at the hospital.
Despite the protest, some doctors have volunteered to set up ‘Abhaya clinics’ in flood-hit areas of the state to provide medical assistance to those in need. This showcases their dedication to public health even during times of unrest.
Patients who have been eagerly awaiting the return of the doctors have expressed their relief as emergency services have resumed. Dipankar Jana, a patient at Bankura Medical College and Hospital, shared, “While we support their cause, it has been very difficult for regular patients like us to receive treatment over the past month due to the ‘cease work’.”
In the flood-hit district of Purba Medinipur, several patients were seen flocking to an ‘Abhaya clinic’ for medical attention. Junior doctor Aheli Chowdhury highlighted the positive response they have received at these clinics, stating that they are committed to providing 24/7 service to those in need.
The doctors have given the administration a seven-day ultimatum to meet their demands for justice for the deceased medic and the removal of the state health secretary. If their demands are not met within the stipulated time frame, they have threatened to initiate another round of ‘cease work’ to further push for their cause.
The protests initially began on August 9 following the tragic discovery of the woman medic’s body at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is investigating the case, has made several arrests, including that of the former principal of the hospital, Sandip Ghosh, in connection with their probe.
As the doctors continue their fight for justice and accountability, the partial resumption of duties signifies a step towards normalcy in the state’s healthcare system. Patients are hopeful that a resolution will be reached soon, allowing them to receive the medical care they urgently require.
