In a significant turn of events in the Kolkata rape-murder case, the Junior Doctors in West Bengal have decided to resume total “cease work” on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The initial protest sparked after the rape and murder case of a doctor trainee at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024.
The doctors continued to carry on strikes, alleging that the government had not fulfilled their demands for better safety and security at medical facilities. This strike came after the junior doctors returned to their work on Saturday, after 42 days of protests and on the Supreme Court’s order.
Doctor’s Demands
“We do not find any positive move from the State government to fulfill our demands for safety and security. Today is the 52nd day of the protest. We are still being attacked and there is no attempt to keep other promises made during the meetings with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In the given situation, we are left with no option other than opting for full cease work, starting today,” said a protesting doctor.
“Unless we observe clear measures taken from the state government on these demands, this complete cease work will continue,” he further added.
The doctors are expecting the state government to take stringent actions to improve women’s safety and security as per the promise the government made during the previous negotiations.
Doctors Resume “Cease work”
The doctors have also planned to conduct a rally in Kolkata on Tuesday. It is set to commence at 5 pm, along with 60 civil society organizations that are anticipated to take part.
According to Manas Gupta, a surgery professor from the Joint Platform of Doctors, “The movement will go on in some form till justice is delivered. The rally on Tuesday will conclude in front of the Academy of Fine Arts, where cultural programs, like street play on the heinous crime, will be staged”.
Additionally, on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, another rally is also scheduled to take place at 1 pm. It is likely to be attended by several organizations including senior doctors and civil society bodies.
The rally will be organized by the West Bengal Junior Doctor’s Front (WBJDF). It is a representative body of junior doctors working in government medical institutions across West Bengal. It was formed this year to advocate for the better working conditions and better infrastructure for healthcare workers.
Calcutta High Court Grants Permission
Earlier on Monday, September 30, 2024, the Calcutta High Court permitted a rally to be held in the Metropolis by the Joint Platform of Doctors. It will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, between 5 pm and 8 pm from College Square in North Kolkata to Rabindra Sadan in the south.
Earlier Protests Carried Out by Doctors
The doctors’ protest began on August 9. It began following the tragic rape-murder case of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical Hospital. The tragic incident sparked nationwide protests and outrage. It pressured the government to take strict measures against the safety and security of healthcare workers. The junior doctors across West Bengal carried out strikes, rallies, and marches, demanding an immediate probe into the case.
On September 21, 2024, the junior doctors dropped off their ceased work and rejoined their services at the state-run hospitals. This decision came after the West Bengal government accepted their demands and assured to take every necessary action into the matter. One of the measures includes safety and security in the hospitals.
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