The West Bengal government’s decision to appoint a new police commissioner for Kolkata and remove two senior health department officials and junior doctors in the state described their ongoing strike as a partial victory. However, they remain firm on continuing their cease-work protest until their demands are fully implemented.
The junior doctors, who have been agitating over the handling of the rape-murder case and related issues, held a general body meeting to discuss the next steps. Despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s claim that her government has accepted 99% of their demands, the doctors emphasized that concrete measures must be in place before they resume duties. Banerjee had urged them to return to work, highlighting the strain their strike is placing on the state’s medical infrastructure.
During their meeting, the doctors decided to send another email to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, seeking a second meeting with the chief minister to discuss the remaining issues. Although the removal of former Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal was among their demands, they are also pushing for the removal of State Health Secretary NS Nigam, a move they claim Banerjee had assured them of earlier.
The junior doctors are particularly concerned about the safety and security of medical staff within hospitals. They seek clarity on how the ₹100 crore, promised by the state for strengthening security in government-run hospitals, will be utilized. Their statement emphasized that true safety reforms cannot be implemented without a comprehensive overhaul of the public healthcare system. This includes improving the referral system, appointing health workers and professional patient counselors, combating admission-related corruption, and ensuring the availability of life-saving medications.
Additionally, the doctors demanded the immediate formation of a task force, led by the chief secretary, to address safety issues in medical colleges—a promise made during a recent meeting with Banerjee. They are also advocating for the reintroduction of student body elections and want junior doctors to be adequately represented in the top policy-making bodies within these institutions.
As the strike continues, the junior doctors remain steadfast in their call for real and lasting change to ensure better safety and working conditions for medical professionals across the state.
