Jr Doctors go on strike across Bengal, demands urgent safety measures and accountability

Junior doctors in West Bengal have launched an indefinite "total cease work" protest, calling for urgent safety and security measures in hospitals following the tragic rape-murder of their colleague on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This protest marks the continuation of their struggle after a partial return to work on September 21, which followed a previous 42-day agitation for showing their grievances.

The protest is rooted in ongoing fears for their safety, as said by Aniket Mahato, a representative of the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF). He expressed deep frustration with the state government's failure to address their concerns adequately, noting, "Today is the 52nd day of the protest, and we are still being attacked, with no substantial action taken to ensure our safety." The junior doctors have put forth a list of ten demands that includes not only enhanced security measures in hospitals but also the removal of the State’s Principal Health Secretary and the establishment of task forces in every medical college. "Unless we see clear action from the government on these demands, this complete cease work will continue," Mahato said.

Their demands are:

1) Justice for Tilottma must be ensured swiftly and transparently, without being entangled in lengthy bureaucratic procedures.

2) The Ministry of Health should be held accountable for administrative incompetence and corruption in the healthcare sector, and the Health Secretary should be immediately removed from office.

3) A central referral system should be implemented in all hospitals and medical colleges across the state without delay.

4) A digital bed vacancy monitoring system should be introduced in every medical college and hospital.

5) A college-based task force with selected junior doctor representation should be established in all medical colleges and hospitals. Necessary provisions, such as CCTV, on-call rooms, bathrooms with helpline numbers, and panic buttons, should be arranged.

6) Police protection in hospitals should be increased, with permanent male and female officers recruited instead of civic volunteers.

7) Vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers in hospitals must be filled immediately.

8) An inquiry committee should be set up in every medical college to investigate those involved in threat syndicates, and they should be punished. A state-level inquiry committee should also be formed.

9) Student councils should be elected in all medical colleges across the state without delay. The Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) should be recognized in all colleges, and elected student and junior doctor representation should be ensured in all college and hospital management committees.

10) An urgent investigation should be initiated into the allegations of widespread corruption and irregularities within the West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) and the West Bengal Health Recruitment Board (WBHRB).