Kolkata: Junior doctors in West Bengal government-run hospitals on Tuesday began a total cease-work across the state demanding safety and security in the health facilities. The previous 42-day agitation was called off on September 21.
“We are compelled to return to a full cease-work starting from today (October 1). Unless we see clear action from the government on safety, patient services and to stop the politics of fear, we will have no choice but to continue our full strike,” said a statement issued under the banner of the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front.
The decision was taken after an eight-hour long meeting of the junior doctors. They have placed a set of 10 demands related to strengthening hospital security, improving health infrastructure and putting an end to threat culture and politics in hospitals.
After a 42-day protest demonstration in the aftermath of the alleged rape-murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital here on August 9, the junior medics had on September 21 rejoined their duties partially at government hospitals. Since then, they had been providing emergency services, but stayed away from out patient services and in-patient duties.
“We do not see any positive approach from the state government to fulfil our demands for safety and security. 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,” representative of the junior medics Aniket Mahato told a media conference.
The protesting medics took out a torch rally on Sunday as they staged a protest against the alleged rape-murder of the 31 year old post-graduate trainee doctor on Sunday.
