Junior Doctors in West Bengal Partially Resume Duties Following Protests Against Violence

After a 42-day hiatus, junior doctors in West Bengal resumed partial duties at government hospitals on Saturday. Their protest was against the rape and murder of a female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. While they returned to essential and emergency services, outpatient departments (OPDs) remained unattended.

"We have started rejoining duties today. Our colleagues are returning to their respective departments for essential and emergency services, but not at the OPDs. This is only a partial resumption of duties," said Aniket Mahato, one of the protesting doctors.

Doctors' Commitment Amid Protests

Aniket Mahato, along with Lahri Sarkar and Raktim Majumder, performed surgery on a woman patient at the hospital. Despite ongoing protests, some doctors have travelled to flood-affected areas to establish Abhaya clinics, demonstrating their dedication to public health.

A senior official from the state health department noted that patients were pleased to see doctors back at work, describing it as a "homecoming." The return of emergency services brought relief to many who had struggled to access care during the protest.

Patient Reactions and Clinic Operations

Dipankar Jana, a patient at Bankura Medical College and Hospital, expressed relief over the resumption of services. "This is a great relief for us. While we support their cause, it has been very difficult for regular patients like us to receive treatment over the past month due to the cease work," he said.

In Panskura, Purba Medinipur district, many patients visited an Abhaya clinic. Aheli Chowdhury, a junior doctor there, stated, "We have received excellent responses at these clinics. Many people have visited, and our colleagues have attended to them. We are ready to provide 24/7 service — this is our commitment."

Awaiting Administrative Action

The doctors have given the administration seven days to meet their demands for justice for the deceased doctor and the removal of the state health secretary. If not addressed, they plan to resume their protest. The protests began on August 9 after the discovery of the woman's body at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is handling the case and has arrested several individuals, including Sandip Ghosh, a former principal of the hospital. The investigation continues as doctors balance their protest with providing essential medical services.