‘Mass resignations have no value’: Bengal govt, declares doctors resignations invalid amid protests

The West Bengal government has officially declared the mass resignation letters submitted by doctors at state-run hospitals as invalid. Chief advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Alapan Bandyopadhyay, stated that the resignations must be submitted individually according to service rules, emphasizing that collective resignations do not hold legal standing. This decision comes in response to widespread protests following the tragic rape and murder at Kolkata's R G Kar Medical College and Hospital.

In solidarity with their junior colleagues, several senior doctors had submitted collectively signed resignation letters, seeking justice for the victim and supporting junior doctors who are currently on a hunger strike. Bandyopadhyay highlighted that the letters received lacked specific references to grievances and were essentially generic documents with signatures but no designations. He reiterated that unless an employee submits their resignation personally, it cannot be considered valid.

The junior doctors have been on a fast-unto-death since October 5, demanding justice for their murdered colleague, the resignation of the state’s health secretary, and enhanced security measures in hospitals. The situation has raised concerns for the health of the fasting doctors, as their condition reportedly deteriorates.

The government maintains that healthcare services in state-run hospitals are operating normally, with senior doctors continuing their work. However, the junior doctors’ protests have led to increased scrutiny of the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of medical personnel. The ongoing agitation has also prompted the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) to warn of a nationwide shutdown of medical services if any harm comes to the protesting doctors.

Meanwhile, 38 doctors from Arambagh Medical College have also submitted mass resignations in support of their junior counterparts, amplifying the call for justice and accountability in the wake of this tragic incident.