Junior doctors in Bengal have decided to suspend their large-scale protest over the rape and murder of a colleague at a Kolkata hospital, announcing they will resume work on Saturday. However, they specified that they would not participate in outpatient department (OPD) services or elective surgeries until the state government demonstrates a commitment to improving safety measures. This decision follows the government’s acceptance of most of their demands and comes amid severe flooding in south Bengal, where health services are urgently needed.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been touring flood-affected areas, while the Chief Secretary met with the doctors to address their concerns regarding security. In a letter to the Principal Secretary, the Chief Secretary outlined measures to enhance safety, including the availability of on-duty rooms and washrooms, installation of CCTV cameras, deployment of police and security personnel (including women), mobile surveillance teams, a central helpline, and panic buttons. Additionally, an audit of security at state-run medical institutions has been ordered.
The doctors clarified that their partial return to work does not signify an end to their agitation. A representative stated, “If needed, we will begin ceasework again,” emphasizing their ongoing legal battle and the demand for a swift resolution to the investigation into the murder of their colleague.
The current phase of the protest will conclude with a march to the CGO Complex, home to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The resolution of the 41-day standoff with the state government began with a face-to-face meeting between the doctors and the Chief Minister after three unsuccessful attempts.
Following that meeting, Banerjee announced the removal of Kolkata’s police chief, Vineet Goyal, and two senior health department officials. However, the doctors are still calling for the health secretary’s removal. The Chief Minister has stated that she urged the doctors to consider the needs of patients, especially in light of the ongoing floods.
The doctors described the meeting with the Chief Minister as a “partial success,” highlighting the government’s concessions due to public pressure.
The tragic incident at the heart of this protest occurred on August 9, when a 31-year-old doctor was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College. The primary suspect, Sanjoy Roy, was a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police who had access to various areas of the hospital.
Protests erupted the day after the crime and quickly escalated, drawing widespread support from civil society and leading to a significant standoff with the state government. Despite a Supreme Court order encouraging a return to work, the Chief Minister stated she preferred not to use forceful measures.
The unrest was fueled by questions surrounding the police investigation, including allegations of coercion in the cremation process and attempts to bribe the victim’s family. The police officer involved has since been removed from duty.
Amidst these developments, the Principal of RG Kar Medical College was transferred shortly after resigning under public pressure, further igniting protests that resonated across the country, reflecting outrage over this heinous crime.
