West Bengal Junior Doctors Continue Sit-in, Await Govt Action on Demands

Junior doctors in West Bengal continue their sit-in protest in Kolkata after alleging a police baton charge during a rally. Although they called off their 'total cease work', they threaten a hunger strike if their demands are not met within 24 hours. Their demands include an apology, removal of the state Health Secretary, and reforms in healthcare infrastructure and governance. The protest has caused traffic disruptions, and protesters remain focused on seeking justice for a deceased colleague.

Junior doctors in West Bengal are continuing their sit-in protest in Kolkata, despite calling off their 'total cease work' at state-run medical institutions. The protest comes in response to an alleged police baton charge during a rally demanding justice for a deceased female medic from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The doctors held their demonstration overnight in the Esplanade area, with some using umbrellas and temporary shelters to brave the rain. Protesters expressed frustration at the state's lack of response and threatened to launch a hunger strike if their demands are not met within 24 hours.

Their demands include an apology for the alleged baton charge, the removal of state Health Secretary N S Nigam, and an inquiry into corruption within the West Bengal Medical Council and the West Bengal Health Recruitment Board. They also called for reforms such as a centralised hospital referral system, a bed vacancy monitoring system, and improved infrastructure in hospitals, including CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms.

Also Read: Massive Protests in Kolkata by Junior Doctors, Medical Students Over Rape-Murder Case on Mahalaya

The protest, which has led to traffic disruptions in the area, emphasizes justice for the deceased medic as a top priority. Junior doctors from RG Kar Medical College, along with peers from other hospitals, have joined the sit-in, highlighting the need for swift government action.