bengal-medics-resume-total-cease-work-from-tuesday

The junior doctors in West Bengal have resumed their indefinite “total cease work” to press for various demands related to their safety and security at medical establishments. 

This escalation follows a 42-day protest, which was sparked by the rape and murder of an on-duty woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. 

Despite returning to work partially on September 21, the junior doctors feel that the state government has failed to adequately address their concerns, leading them to take this step.

"We do not see any positive approach from the state government to fulfill our demands for safety and security. Today is the 52nd day of the protest (since August 9) and we are still being attacked and there is no attempt to keep the 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," Aniket Mahato, one of the agitating junior doctors, told the media.

"Unless we see clear action from the state government on these demands, this complete cease work will continue," he added.

Their key demands include:

• Immediate steps to protect medical professionals from attacks at work.

• Justice for the deceased woman doctor, Abhaya. They are calling for swift action, rather than a prolonged judicial process.

• Immediate removal of the health secretary and accountability for administrative inefficiencies and corruption in the health department.

• Implementing a centralised referral system, digital bed vacancy monitoring, and adequate on-call rooms and CCTV facilities.

• Increasing police protection in hospitals and recruiting permanent female police officers.

• Filling vacancies: Immediate recruitment of doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff.

To further their cause, the junior doctors are organising a protest march from College Square to Dharmatala on October 2, Mahalaya, calling for participation from various sections of society.

Their struggle is driven by the need for a safer, more efficient, and corruption-free healthcare system.