Bengal doctors resume strike, declare “total cease-work” ahead of Mahalaya

The junior doctors across West Bengal resumed their ‘total cease-work’ protest, pressing for better security measures at state hospitals. The strike, began at 10 am today, follows the junior doctors’ frustration with the government for failing to take sufficient measures regarding their security concerns. Their demands stem from the rape and murder of a fellow trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August.

The doctors resumed work on 21st September for the critical flood situation in the state, halting their 42-day protest. However, they allege that the government’s assurances to enhance hospital security have not been upheld.

Doctors resume strike following another violent attack

This latest strike follows an attack at the state-run Sagore Dutta Medical College and Hospital, where doctors were reportedly assaulted by the family of a patient who had passed away during treatment. The incident has further fueled the junior doctors’ grievances, as they continue to face violent assaults in the workplace.

Speaking to PTI, one of the protesting doctors, Dr. Aniket Mahato, expressed frustration over the lack of action. He said, “Today is the 52nd day (of the protest) and we are still being attacked, and there is no attempt to keep the other promises made during the meetings with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In the given situation, we are left with no option other than opting for full cease-work, starting today,”

In the recent hearing at the Supreme Court, the Bengal government came under sharp attack over the slow pace of work in deploying security systems for doctors. The state cited the ongoing flood crisis and informed the court that only 26% of the required work had been completed.  The government has requested extension to October 15, emphasizing due procedures to be followed in the allotment of contracts regarding the security upgrade.

Massive protest planned for October 2

Doctors also called a massive protest rally on October 2, which coincides with Gandhi Jayanti and Mahalaya-the beginning of Durga Puja, the main Bengali festival. The protest rally will be sure to draw immense focus to the current struggle by doctors for safer working conditions.

The rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College on August 9 set off the initial strike and sparked widespread outrage across Bengal, strikes were declared by medical professionals but the deadlock was temporarily lifted following assurances from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the government would take steps to meet their demands.

Now, again without satisfactory development in the prospect, doctors are once again resorting to a complete halt of services, demanding action for their safety.

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