Junior Doctors in West Bengal to Decide on Cease Work Resumption Following Supreme Court Hearing

Junior doctors in West Bengal are considering a complete halt of work in medical colleges. This decision follows the state government's response to their safety concerns during a Supreme Court hearing on September 30. The move comes after an attack on three doctors and three nurses at the College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital near Kolkata, which occurred after a patient's death.

The junior doctors have expressed disappointment with the state government's inability to ensure their safety. "The state government has totally failed in providing us safety and security and that is the reason the attack took place in Sagore Dutta Hospital. We are giving the state some time and want to hear their submission regarding our security during the Supreme Court hearing on Monday and then from 5 PM, we will start total cease work at all hospitals across Bengal," stated one of the junior doctors.

Protests and Demonstrations

Following Friday's incident, junior doctors at Sagore Dutta Hospital immediately began a complete work stoppage. On Sunday, they plan to hold a rally throughout the state to protest against the incident. Aniket Mahato, a doctor involved in the protests, questioned the assurances previously given about their safety. "Where gone the assurances on our safety and security. We will go for a bigger demonstration," Mahato said.

The junior doctors' decision was made after a general body meeting held in response to the assaults at Sagore Dutta Hospital. They feel that previous meetings with top officials, including the chief minister and chief secretary, were not taken seriously. Concerns have been raised about threats made to female colleagues, reminiscent of past incidents at RG Kar Hospital.

Previous Cease Work and Future Plans

On September 21, junior doctors resumed partial duties at government hospitals after a 42-day strike. This earlier protest was against the rape-murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The recent attacks have reignited fears among medical staff about their safety at work.

Junior doctors had previously communicated their demands to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant via email. In a two-page letter, they reiterated unmet demands from a meeting held on September 18 at the state secretariat. During this meeting, verbal agreements were made regarding their concerns.

The outcome of Monday's Supreme Court hearing will influence whether junior doctors proceed with a complete work stoppage across West Bengal hospitals. They await the state's submission on their security measures before making a final decision.