Bengal Jr doctors form WBJDA, claim victimhood in alleged 'threat culture'

junior doctors in West Bengal have officially formed the West Bengal Junior Doctors Association (WBJDA), claiming victimhood in an alleged “threat culture” following the conclusion of their recent protests. During a press conference on Saturday, intern Shreej Chakraborty from RG Kar Medical College stated, “We are victims of threat culture. Our movement has been undermined by extremist individuals targeting us.” This new association emerges as junior doctors seek to reclaim their narrative amidst heightened tensions and scrutiny within the medical community.

The WBJDA’s establishment comes after a series of protests that demanded justice and safety for medical professionals following the tragic case of Tilottama, a fellow intern. Intern Saurav Kumar Das raised concerns regarding fundraising efforts tied to the Tilottama case, stating, “While we were the first to demand justice for Tilottama, personal interests have overshadowed the cause. Over ₹4.76 crore has been raised under her name. Are those who solicited this money not culpable?” 

Chakraborty emphasized the challenges faced by junior doctors during the protests, mentioning that their commitment to patient care was met with punitive measures. He explained, “We vowed to serve patients instead of going on strike, but we were expelled from our colleges. We returned to duty only after a court intervened.” This situation underscores the complexities and pressures that junior doctors continue to navigate in the aftermath of their protests.

The formation of the WBJDA has ignited discussions among junior doctors regarding its legitimacy and purpose. Aniket Mahato from the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front (WBJDF) expressed skepticism about the new organization, questioning, “If those accused of perpetuating a threat culture seek to advocate for justice, isn’t that contradictory?” This sentiment reflects the internal divisions and varying perspectives within the junior doctors’ community as they grapple with their collective identity. As the protests have concluded, the WBJDA aims to focus on advocating for transparency and fairness in addressing the allegations against junior doctors.