Doctors in West Bengal announce 48-hour strike from October 14, Emergency services to continue

Doctors in private hospitals across West Bengal will observe a 48-hour “partial cease work” from October 14 to 16, in solidarity with the junior doctors who are on a fast-unto-death, demanding justice for a postgraduate trainee who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College in August. The strike, organized under the banner of the Healthcare Professionals of Private Hospitals, will see non-emergency services suspended in major medical facilities, including Medica, Fortis, Apollo, Kothari, and Woodland. Additionally, prominent doctors across Kolkata and other districts will shut down their private chambers, limiting patient access to routine and elective medical care.

The strike is not just about the RG Kar case but also addresses broader issues within the state’s healthcare system. The protesting doctors are demanding improved security in hospitals, a transparent referral system, and better workplace safety for medical professionals. They claim the West Bengal government has not taken any significant steps to address these critical concerns, which has left the medical fraternity anxious.

Junior doctors from state-run hospitals have been observing a hunger strike for days, calling for justice and reforms. Two out of the eleven doctors on hunger strike have already been hospitalized due to deteriorating health conditions. The strike could be prolonged if the government does not respond favorably to their demands.

The Healthcare Professionals of Private Hospitals have warned that if there is no action from the government, they will consider extending the protest beyond the initial 48 hours. The doctors also urged the government to handle the matter with empathy and ensure that the safety of medical professionals is prioritized. While non-emergency services will be halted, emergency care, including surgeries and trauma cases, will continue across all hospitals to ensure that patients in critical need are not affected.