Bengal Junior Doctors Expected to Decide on Ending 38-Day Strike Today

Junior doctors in Bengal are expected to decide on ending their 38-day strike today after the government assured them that key officials, including the police commissioner, would be removed. The strike, sparked by the rape and murder of a doctor, has severely impacted healthcare across the state.

Junior doctors in West Bengal, who have been on strike for 38 days, are expected to decide on withdrawing their protest later today. The strike began in response to the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last month. The doctors have demanded the removal of Kolkata police commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal and two senior health officials, which the government has assured will happen.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with 42 junior doctors on Monday, discussing their demands for over six hours. While Banerjee agreed to the removal of the health directors, she explained that the complete removal of senior officials would hinder administrative functions. She also confirmed that Goyal would be transferred after the Supreme Court hearing today.

Despite verbal assurances, the junior doctors have decided to wait until these promises are formally implemented before calling off their strike. They will finalize their decision after the Supreme Court’s ruling on the rape and murder case. The protests, which have severely impacted healthcare in the state, are expected to be resolved if the government follows through with its commitments.

Also Read: Kolkata Rape-Murder: CBI Alleges Police Officer Arrived 'Unusually Late' at Crime Scene

Banerjee urged the doctors to end the sit-in, noting that many patients have suffered due to the ongoing strike. A committee has also been set up to address security concerns in hospitals.