Junior Doctors End Strike Following RG Kar Hospital Case, Plan Partial Resumption of Services
Kolkata, 20th September 2024: Junior doctors protesting the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case have decided to end their strike on Friday. They plan to return to work on Saturday and will resume emergency services, although outpatient department (OPD) services will remain suspended for now.
“Starting Saturday, we will partially rejoin emergency and essential services at state-run hospitals in Bengal and take necessary measures to provide medical assistance to flood-affected areas,” said the protesting doctors. They emphasized that their fight for justice is far from over.
The doctors began their strike following the tragic incident involving a second-year postgraduate student at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Progress was made after a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during which many of their demands were met, although the government declined to remove the principal secretary.
Dr. Aqeeb, a representative of the protesting doctors, stated that while they had made significant strides, many goals remain unmet. “On the 41st day of our protest, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front acknowledges our achievements but recognizes that much work is still needed. We were able to secure resignations from the Kolkata Commissioner of Police and the DME and DHS, but this does not signify the end of our agitation. We will pursue our goals through new methods,” he explained.
The doctors continue to demand the removal of the principal secretary and actions to address a culture of threats. They have organized a rally from Swasthya Bhawan to the CGO Complex to conclude their current efforts.
Although essential services will resume on Saturday, OPD and operating theatre services will remain halted until security measures for female staff are enhanced. Dr Aqeeb affirmed, “Our agitation will persist. Justice for Abhaya remains our primary focus, and we are closely monitoring the Supreme Court hearings and the government’s actions.”
