West Bengal junior doctors remind chief secretary of unfulfilled promises, to host mass convention tomorrow

NEW DELHI: Five days after partially resuming duties at government-run hospitals in West Bengal following a 42-day ‘cease work,’ junior doctors on Thursday sent an email to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant reminding him of their unmet demands discussed during their September 18 meeting. It also will be organising a mass convention at the SSKM Hospital Auditorium tomorrow at 4 PM to address the grave and distressing incident of rape and murder that occurred at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024.

In the two-page letter addressed to Manoj Pant, the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum (WBJDF) stated, "We would like to mention that no action has been taken/no order has been passed in regard to some of the important demands placed and agreed upon by both the parties."

The junior doctors emphasised that during the September 18 meeting, which involved a special task force presided over by Pant, their key demands were verbally agreed upon. They reiterated demands for the formation of a central inquiry committee to address the alleged "threat culture" in all medical colleges across the state.

The letter also highlighted the need for individual colleges to establish 'college-level enquiry committees,' which should include undergraduate students and resident doctors to investigate those involved in fostering this environment.

Furthermore, the WBJDF reminded Pant of their demand for the state government to form an inquiry committee against the West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) and West Bengal Health Recruitment Board (WBHRB) members accused of promoting the threat culture and running health syndicates, insisting this should be done within the next seven working days.

Additional demands included the establishment of a college-level task force or monitoring committee in every medical college and hospital, as well as implementing a proper and transparent transfer policy for all recruited medical personnel.

WBJDF to host mass convention

The junior doctors had resumed their duties on September 21 after a prolonged strike, which they initiated in protest against the rape and murder of an on-duty woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The Kolkata rape and murder of PG trainee doctor “has not only highlighted the urgent need for justice but has also underscored the pervasive culture of threat and intimidation that exists within our medical institutions and health administration that has culminated today in this heinous incident”, the junior doctors said.

“We must collectively confront these alarming realities to safeguard the well-being of all individuals in these environments. The convention will serve as a platform for doctors and concerned citizens to voice their experiences and demands. We are committed to fostering a dialogue that propels us towards meaningful change and accountability,” it said.

(With inputs from PTI)