For over a month and a half, junior doctors in West Bengal have been protesting, demanding justice after the RG Kar incident and better security and working conditions in hospitals. Despite multiple meetings with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant, the promises made during those discussions have yet to be fulfilled, according to the junior doctors.
In response, the junior doctors have sent an email to the Chief Secretary, outlining seven key demands they expect the government to address immediately.
The Seven Demands:
- Investigation into Threat Culture:
Formation of a central-level investigation committee to take action against those involved in perpetuating a culture of threats in government hospitals. - Internal Inquiry Committees:
Establishment of internal inquiry committees in every medical college, comprising undergraduate and resident doctors, to ensure transparency and accountability. - Democratic Election for Student Representatives:
Organize democratic elections in medical colleges to select student representatives and instruct medical colleges to call a council meeting to expedite the process. - Inquiry into Health Recruitment Board Members:
Formation of a state-level inquiry committee to investigate members of the West Bengal Medical Council and West Bengal Health Recruitment Board accused of encouraging the culture of threats. - Formation of Task Forces:
As per the Supreme Court’s orders, task forces or oversight committees should be created in each medical college, consisting of junior doctors, senior doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. - Activation of Critical Committees:
Reactivate various committees such as College Councils, Internal Committees, Patient Welfare Committees, and Anti-Ragging Committees within the next seven working days, ensuring representation from junior doctors, senior doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers. - Transparent Transfer Policy:
Implement a fair and transparent transfer policy for doctors and healthcare workers in line with the West Bengal Service Rules.
The junior doctors demand that these issues be addressed promptly to ensure their safety and a conducive work environment in the state’s medical institutions. The government’s failure to act could lead to further unrest in the state’s healthcare system.