Trisha Ghosh, Pune
Junior doctors of West Bengal once again began a protest for ‘cease work’ on Tuesday, as a result of inaction by the government of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding their demands for safety at the workplace, in light of the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor on duty on August 9.
Protests were declared after a meeting by the junior doctors which lasted 8 hours. The doctors have listed down 10 demands, for the tightening of security at hospitals, the improvement of healthcare infrastructure and eliminating what they term ‘threat culture and politics’ in medical institutions.
The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF) said that doctors have no choice but to resume a complete ‘cease work’, beginning from Tuesday. The strike will continue unless the state government provides a clear and comprehensive promise of action regarding safety measures, medical services and the entire atmosphere of public fear and politics
On September 21, junior doctors had resumed their services, though only partially, at government hospitals following a protest of 42 days. There had been widespread protests and total ‘cease work’ against the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor on August 9 at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, leading to nationwide outrage.
As reported by the Hindustan Times, a junior doctor who is part of the protests, named Aniket Mahato, has said to PTI that doctors have not received any affirmation or support from the state government for their incessant demands for security measures and safety. Though 52 days of protests have already passed, doctors still feel attacked. Other promises made by CM Mamata Banerjee have also not been kept.
The announcement was made one day after the Calcutta High Court gave permission for a rally to be conducted by the Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD) on Tuesday, October 1, in the city. As a result of the JPD’s petition, Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj permitted a peaceful rally to be organised between 5 and 8 pm, from North Kolkata’s College Square until South Kolkata’s Rabindra Sadan. The protest would pass through Esplanade and Central Avenue.
The JPD had also asked the Kolkata Police commissioner for permission for the rally to include approximately 50,000 people. However, the Joint Commissioner had said that only 1000 people and an adequate number of volunteers would be allowed, and that the route would be from College Square till Rani Rashmoni Avenue, Esplanade. The JPD had responded by arguing in the high court that restricting participant numbers could not be enforced as the public is choosing to participate in these protests.
The high court did not comply with the Kolkata police’s requests. It has asked the Joint Commissioner of Police to arrange for adequate safety measures so that the rally may continue without incident. Justice Bharadwaj also instructed those organising the rally to ensure an adequate number of volunteers to manage the crowd so that the protests do not become disruptive.