Junior Doctors in West Bengal Plan Strike on October 22 If Demands for Justice Are Not Met

Junior doctors in West Bengal are threatening a state-wide strike on October 22 if their demands are not addressed. They seek justice for a deceased colleague from R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. Discussions with peers in other states could lead to a nationwide strike on Tuesday. The junior doctors, alongside seniors, have given the state government until October 21 to respond.

Debasish Halder, one of the protesting junior doctors, stated, "We want the chief minister Mamata Banerjee to sit for a discussion and implement all our demands." He warned that without action, both junior and senior doctors in government and private healthcare would strike on Tuesday. The medics emphasised they are not against public interest, having previously ended a cease work for the same reason.

Protests and Demands

The agitating doctors have been on a fast-unto-death for 14 days, demanding justice for the woman doctor allegedly raped and murdered in August. Six fasting doctors have been hospitalised due to deteriorating health, while eight continue their indefinite fast at Esplanade in Kolkata. Halder mentioned that demonstrations would occur at various hospitals on Monday.

Sayantani Ghosh Hazra, another protesting doctor, questioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's absence despite their prolonged fast. "She is the guardian of the state and we are like her children. Could she not visit us once over our valid demands?" Hazra asked. Hazra has been fasting since October 5.

Statewide and Nationwide Actions

The junior doctors plan a mega rally on Sunday, urging citizens to join them. They demand justice for their deceased colleague and the removal of state Health Secretary N S Nigam. Other demands include a centralised referral system for hospitals, a bed vacancy monitoring system, and task forces to ensure essential provisions like CCTV and washrooms.

The doctors initially ceased work after the rape-murder incident on August 9 but resumed duties after 42 days on September 21 following government assurances. However, dissatisfaction persists as they await concrete actions from authorities.

Dialogue Attempts

A meeting between senior doctor Narayan Banerjee and Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh sparked criticism from the protesting medics. Banerjee supports several demands of the junior doctors and seeks dialogue to resolve the deadlock. Ghosh noted Banerjee's practical approach considering the medics' health conditions.

The Joint Platform of Doctors clarified that Banerjee acted independently and did not represent them in discussions with political leaders. Meanwhile, Halder indicated ongoing talks with colleagues in other states about a potential nationwide strike on Tuesday over these issues.

If patient care suffers due to Tuesday's strike, Halder said the state government must bear responsibility. The situation remains tense as junior doctors continue their protest for justice and improved workplace conditions.