West Bengal Junior Doctors to Continue Strike Despite Supreme Court Order

Junior doctors in West Bengal announced on Monday evening that they would continue their 'cease work' protest, demanding justice for the RG Kar hospital medic who was raped and murdered. This decision comes despite the Supreme Court's directive to resume duties by 5 pm on Tuesday.

The body of the postgraduate trainee was discovered with injury marks in a seminar room at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. She was allegedly raped and killed while on duty, sparking nationwide outrage and protests.

Doctors Demand Resignations

The protesting doctors are calling for the resignation of the state's health secretary and the director of health education (DHE). They plan to hold a rally to Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the health department in Salt Lake, at noon on Tuesday. "Our demands are unfulfilled and justice is not meted out to the victim. We will continue our agitation as well as the ‘cease work’. We want the health secretary and DHE to resign. Tomorrow noon, we will hold a rally to the Swasthya Bhavan," one of the protesting doctors stated after their governing body meeting.

Supreme Court Intervention

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court directed the striking medics to return to work by 5 pm on Tuesday to avoid any adverse action from the state government. The court issued this directive following an assurance from the West Bengal government that no punitive measures, including transfers, would be taken against the protesting doctors if they resumed their duties.

The junior doctors have been observing a 'cease work' at state-run hospitals for nearly a month now. Their continued protest highlights their demand for justice and systemic changes within the healthcare administration.

The incident has not only affected local sentiments but has also drawn attention from across the country, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for swift justice.

The ongoing protests underscore a significant issue within the healthcare system, reflecting broader concerns about safety and justice for medical professionals. The situation remains tense as both sides await further developments.