After a marathon negotiation, the West Bengal government finally sat down with protesting junior doctors on September 16, 2024, and agreed to most of their demands. The standoff, which began on August 9, was sparked by the rape and murder of a colleague, and has since morphed into a people’s movement. The doctors, backed by civil society and grassroots organizations, have been on a cease-work agitation, demanding justice for their colleague and improved working conditions.
The government’s reluctance to address the doctors‘ concerns earlier has led to an acute trust deficit between the two sides. The perception of a cover-up in the initial investigation of the rape and murder case, particularly by the hospital administration and government, has further alienated the doctors. The arrest of the former Principal of R.G.Kar Medical College and Hospital, Sandip Ghosh, has been a small step towards addressing the issue.
However, much more needs to be done to restore faith in the system. The government’s proposal to set aside Rs.100 crore to improve hospital infrastructure and form a task force headed by the Chief Secretary to address doctor’s issues is a step in the right direction. But mere words will not suffice; action is needed to increase the safety and security of doctors and end the “threat culture” prevalent in government hospitals.
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The Supreme Court of India, which is hearing the case suo motu, has expressed skepticism about the deployment of contractual security personnel in government hospitals and medical colleges. The court has also pulled up the administration for the slow installation of CCTV cameras. The government must take concrete steps to address these concerns.
The Mamata Banerjee-led government must now walk the talk to regain the trust of doctors. The Chief Minister, who holds the Health and Home portfolios, must demonstrate a commitment to improving working conditions and ensuring the safety and security of doctors. The success of the protest movement depends on whether the government can deliver on its promises.
The people of West Bengal are watching closely as this saga unfolds. With over 7000-10000 junior doctors on strike, it is crucial that the government takes decisive action to resolve the impasse. As tensions continue to simmer, it is imperative that both sides engage in meaningful dialogue to find a lasting solution.