Junior doctors, who had returned to work after a month-long strike, are now contemplating a complete halt unless they receive assurances regarding their safety. A candlelight vigil, organized over the weekend, saw hundreds of medics marching through the streets of Kolkata, demanding justice for their colleague and improved security measures in state-run hospitals. The protest comes in the wake of a series of violent incidents targeting healthcare workers, which have become a point of contention between the medical fraternity and the state government.
According to reports, the doctors' concerns extend beyond the case at RG Kar. Other incidents, such as an assault on healthcare workers at Sagar Dutta Medical College, have further fueled their dissatisfaction with the government's handling of security at medical institutions. Junior doctors across various hospitals have joined in the call for action, urging the authorities to take immediate steps to ensure their protection from external threats while on duty.
The Supreme Court is expected to focus on the status report filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the trainee doctor. The Court has already expressed its concerns over the findings but has withheld specific details to avoid compromising the ongoing probe. Junior doctors have been closely monitoring the legal proceedings, with many expressing that the outcome will determine their next steps.
If the safety measures proposed by the government fall short, the medical professionals have vowed to halt services in teaching hospitals once again. The potential cease-work order would affect several major hospitals in the state, exacerbating the strain on healthcare services.
Tensions have escalated since the case gained national attention, particularly after the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation from local police to the CBI. This decision came amidst growing accusations of corruption and misconduct in state-run medical colleges. Junior doctors have long complained of a "culture of threats" within medical institutions, as well as other serious issues such as bribery and sexual harassment, which have only intensified calls for systemic reforms.
Amidst the protests, state authorities have attempted to address security concerns by increasing police presence in certain hospitals, including RG Kar. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma made a visit to the hospital over the weekend, reviewing the situation and discussing security protocols with hospital officials. However, the measures appear to have done little to alleviate the concerns of the junior doctors, who remain adamant about their demands for comprehensive protection.
The doctors' rallying cry, "no safety, no duty," has been echoed throughout the protests, with many citing the state's failure to follow through on previous commitments made during their meetings with the Chief Minister. As one doctor noted, their demands have remained consistent since the beginning of the protests, and without substantial action, they are left with no choice but to intensify their agitation.