RG Kar Medical College Protest: Junior Doctors Allege ‘External Pressure’ as Tents, Fans Removed

Junior doctors protesting over the RG Kar Medical College incident alleged "external pressure" after tents and fans were removed from their protest site. Talks with the West Bengal government have stalled, with doctors demanding written assurances for their safety and a safer work environment. Despite some concessions from the government, the strike continues.

Junior doctors protesting at Swasthya Bhawan, the West Bengal health department’s headquarters, alleged that “external pressure” led to the removal of tents, fans, and bamboo structures from their protest site on September 19, 2024. These amenities were dismantled late Wednesday night, reportedly to weaken the morale of the protesting doctors.

The protest began over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, coupled with accusations of corruption and administrative misconduct within the state's healthcare system.

Despite the setback, the junior doctors remained resolute. "We can protest from anywhere and in any way possible," said one doctor, dismissing the notion that the removal of amenities would deter their cause.

Protests Continue Despite Failed Talks -The second round of negotiations between junior doctors and West Bengal government officials ended in a deadlock on Wednesday night. The doctors expressed disappointment that the state refused to issue written minutes of the meeting, which they deem essential to ensure their safety and demands for a safer work environment.

Dr. Aniket Mahato, a prominent voice in the protest, stated, "We are feeling let down by the government's refusal to hand over signed and written minutes of the issues discussed. We will continue our agitation until written directives on our safety are issued."

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While the government released an unsigned summary of the meeting acknowledging the need for reforms, the doctors insisted they would not end their strike until their demands were met in writing.