Protesting Doctors Demand Fresh Talks With Bengal Government

The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Association (WBJDF) is continuing its protest against the tragic rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College Hospital. They plan to seek fresh discussions with the state government regarding their unfulfilled demands.

First, the WBJDF wants the removal or replacement of the current state health secretary, Narayan Swarup Nigam. They will send a new communiqué to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to address this issue. Until then, junior doctors will maintain their cease-work protest and sit-in demonstration outside Swastha Bhavan, the state health department headquarters in Salt Lake.

Additionally, the doctors are calling for improved safety and security within medical college campuses to prevent future incidents like the one at R.G. Kar. They also demand the immediate formation of resident doctors’ associations and students’ councils in all medical colleges across the state.

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WBJDF Representative Aniket Mahato stressed that while they previously discussed these issues with the government, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, no resolution has been reached. He argued that establishing these associations is essential for restoring a democratic atmosphere in the institutions.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal government announced the removal of several key officials, including the Kolkata Police commissioner and the director of health services. However, the Chief Minister is hesitant to remove the health secretary, citing potential administrative challenges. The situation remains tense as doctors continue to push for change.