Junior doctors in West Bengal have partially ended their 42-day strike, which began on August 9 following the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. While the doctors have returned to work, they are only resuming essential and emergency services, with the Outpatient Department (OPD) remaining non-operational.
The doctors, who have been protesting since the tragic incident, continue to demand justice for the slain doctor and the removal of the state health secretary, accusing key officials of being involved in the case.
However, the doctors warned that if their demands are not met within seven days, they will stop working entirely once again. Demonstrating their commitment to public health, several doctors have also left for flood-affected districts in Bengal, where they are establishing 'Abhaya Clinics' to serve the people, even while their protest continues. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating the case, and several arrests have been made, including that of the former principal of RG Kar Medical College.