Junior Doctors Call for Full Strike Before Mahalaya, Uncertain About Puja Plans

Junior doctors in West Bengal have called for a full strike just before Mahalaya, escalating their ongoing protest. However, they remain undecided about their course of action during the upcoming Durga Puja. The strike has been announced after 10 days of partial work resumption, with doctors demanding that the government address their 10-point agenda. The strike has affected medical services across 23 medical colleges in the state.

1. Strike Announcement:
   • After a partial return to work on September 21, junior doctors have once again declared a full strike, which started just before Mahalaya. This decision comes as part of their ongoing protest, demanding the fulfilment of their 10-point agenda.
   • They have resolved to continue the strike until the government takes concrete steps toward fulfilling their demands.
2. Protest March on Mahalaya:
   • On Mahalaya, the junior doctors have planned a march from College Square to Dharmatala. This protest march is expected to include both junior doctors and citizens from Kolkata and surrounding areas. A public meeting is also scheduled after the march.
3. Undecided on Durga Puja Plans:
   • Despite the upcoming Durga Puja, the junior doctors are yet to decide on their protest plans during the festival. During a press conference, Aniket Mahato, a representative of the junior doctors, confirmed that a decision regarding protests during the festival will be announced later by the “West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front.”
4. Public Involvement:
   • Over the past few months, the junior doctors have garnered significant public support during their protests. Many citizens joined their demonstrations, including high-profile events like the Lalbazar and Health Department protests.
5. Impact on Medical Services:
   • There is concern about the impact of the strike on healthcare services, particularly in public hospitals. While senior doctors had previously managed services during strikes, the heavy patient load in government hospitals made it challenging. However, junior doctors believe that since the number of patients is usually lower during the Puja, the strike will not severely impact services.
6. No Plans to Call Off the Strike:
   • Despite the approaching festival, junior doctors have no intention of calling off the strike. However, they mentioned that if any emergency situations arise, they may reconsider their decision based on the circumstances.
7. Government’s Role:
   • Junior doctors emphasized that they are willing to return to work if the government takes clear, positive steps toward meeting their demands. They questioned why the strike is expected to last until Puja, suggesting that the government should act promptly to address their concerns.

The junior doctors’ strike has gained momentum as they continue to push for the fulfilment of their demands. While public attention is now focused on whether their strike will continue through Durga Puja, the decision lies in the government’s hands. If no steps are taken, the strike could persist, affecting medical services across the state.