Kolkata Murder Case: Doctors Demand President And PM Modi’s Intervention

Junior doctors in Kolkata have written a four-page letter to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her intervention in the Kolkata rape and murder case, reported PTI. Copies of the letter were also sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Union Health Minister JP Nadda, urging for support from the Centre.

The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front penned the letter, highlighting their need for improved safety in hospitals and requesting the Centre's involvement in resolving their ongoing conflict with the state government. They expressed their concerns about working under fear and apprehension.

Protests Continue Amidst Rain

On Friday, junior doctors continued their protest against the West Bengal government despite heavy rains. They gathered in front of Swasthya Bhawan in Salt Lake, Kolkata. This followed another failed attempt to resolve the impasse as doctors refused to attend a meeting called by the state government.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the protesting doctors to return to work on Thursday. She stated she is "ready to resign for the sake of the people." Banerjee mentioned that the government had tried to organise meetings with the doctors for three days without success.

Doctors Demand Live-Streamed Meeting

The protesting doctors insisted they would only attend a meeting if it was streamed live. They also sought confirmation of Chief Minister Banerjee's presence at such a meeting. The ongoing protests have highlighted significant issues within the healthcare system in West Bengal.

The letter from the junior doctors emphasised their plight: "We humbly place the issues before your esteemed excellency, as the head of state, so that our unfortunate colleague who has been the victim of the most despicable crime shall receive justice, and so that we, the healthcare professionals under the West Bengal Health Department, may be able to discharge our duties to the public without fear and apprehension."

They further added: "Your intervention in these trying times will act as a beacon of light to us all, showing us the way ahead out of the darkness that surrounds us." The letter also mentioned that due to fear and distrust, junior doctors have been avoiding working within hospital premises and have taken alternative methods to provide healthcare services.

The situation remains tense as both sides seek a resolution. The junior doctors' demands for safety and justice continue to be at the forefront of their protests.

The ongoing protests by junior doctors highlight critical issues within West Bengal's healthcare system. Their call for improved safety measures and justice for their colleague underscores a broader need for systemic changes.