In response to ongoing protests by junior doctors in West Bengal following the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College , TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee called for an end to the strike, urging doctors to work collaboratively with the state government.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Banerjee emphasized that significant progress has been made on the doctors' demands, including security measures like installing CCTV cameras in hospitals. "As a gesture of goodwill, the doctors should now consider calling off the strike and work collaboratively with GoWB to serve the people and expedite the implementation of the task force's initiatives," Banerjee wrote, referring to the Supreme Court's directives.
Banerjee reassured the medical community that most of the safety measures are on track and are expected to be completed within 14 days. He highlighted the state government’s efforts, such as removing senior officials from the health department and Kolkata Police, as part of fulfilling the demands raised by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front .
Junior doctors front pushes back, calls for additional meeting
Despite these measures, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, which is leading the protest, remains firm on its position, stating that some demands are yet to be resolved. In an email to the state’s Chief Secretary, they requested another meeting to address the outstanding issues.
The doctors also criticized the state's "Aparajita Act," which proposes limiting night shifts for female doctors. "Imposing restrictions like not allowing night duties creates a divide between men and women," the Junior Doctors Front stated, calling the provisions deeply misogynistic.
Government makes key personnel changes
Following discussions with the striking doctors, the West Bengal government announced significant reshuffles within the Health Department. The Director of Medical Education, Dr. Kaustav Nayak, and the Director of Health Services, Dr. Debashis Halder, were both removed from their positions, alongside other senior health officials. These changes were part of the government's broader response to meet the doctors’ demands.
Protests continue
The strike, which began after the discovery of the doctor's body on August 9, has drawn attention statewide, with thousands of junior doctors participating. While the state government has taken steps to address their concerns, the Junior Doctors Front has reiterated the need for further dialogue before any decision to end the strike is made.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Banerjee emphasized that significant progress has been made on the doctors' demands, including security measures like installing CCTV cameras in hospitals. "As a gesture of goodwill, the doctors should now consider calling off the strike and work collaboratively with GoWB to serve the people and expedite the implementation of the task force's initiatives," Banerjee wrote, referring to the Supreme Court's directives.
Banerjee reassured the medical community that most of the safety measures are on track and are expected to be completed within 14 days. He highlighted the state government’s efforts, such as removing senior officials from the health department and Kolkata Police, as part of fulfilling the demands raised by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front .
Junior doctors front pushes back, calls for additional meeting
Despite these measures, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, which is leading the protest, remains firm on its position, stating that some demands are yet to be resolved. In an email to the state’s Chief Secretary, they requested another meeting to address the outstanding issues.
The doctors also criticized the state's "Aparajita Act," which proposes limiting night shifts for female doctors. "Imposing restrictions like not allowing night duties creates a divide between men and women," the Junior Doctors Front stated, calling the provisions deeply misogynistic.
Government makes key personnel changes
Following discussions with the striking doctors, the West Bengal government announced significant reshuffles within the Health Department. The Director of Medical Education, Dr. Kaustav Nayak, and the Director of Health Services, Dr. Debashis Halder, were both removed from their positions, alongside other senior health officials. These changes were part of the government's broader response to meet the doctors’ demands.
Protests continue
The strike, which began after the discovery of the doctor's body on August 9, has drawn attention statewide, with thousands of junior doctors participating. While the state government has taken steps to address their concerns, the Junior Doctors Front has reiterated the need for further dialogue before any decision to end the strike is made.
