New Delhi: Doctors in West Bengal have decided to continue their strike in protest against the rape and murder of a colleague at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front has chosen not to end their protest, in contrast to their counterparts at AIIMS Delhi, even though the Supreme Court has appealed to halt the strike.
The court assured the doctors that “no stringent action” would be taken against them. Earlier today, resident doctors at AIIMS in Delhi called off their nearly two-week-long strike over the incident at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, which has caused nationwide anger across the country, NDTV reported.
In a statement issued today, the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) said that their decision was influenced by assurances from the Supreme Court, which on Wednesday urged medical professionals nationwide to “please trust us” and return to work. Similarly, doctors from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation have also ended their strike.
SC urges doctors to resume duties
The Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and listed the case on Tuesday and making strong remarks regarding the conduct of the college’s principal and the investigation that followed. The court requested doctors to resume their duties and that the ongoing strike could negatively impact patients in need of medical care. Chief Justice of India, Dy Chandrachud said “We earnestly appeal to all doctors… we are here to ensure their safety and protection. Please trust us, that is why we have not left the matter to the (Calcutta) High Court.”
Task force for doctors’ safety
In its directives on this matter, the Supreme Court has ordered the establishment of a 10-member task force to recommend measures for preventing violence against doctors and ensuring their safe working conditions. The court also directed the CBI, which is handling the investigation, to submit a status report, while instructing the Bengal government to file a report on the recent vandalism at RG Kar Hospital.
The crime has sparked a political clash between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, her ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP, with criticism also coming from the Congress, an ally. Banerjee, who oversees the state’s police and health departments, is facing strong demands for her resignation.