The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Forum (WBJDF), leading the movement against the horrific rape and murder of a junior doctor from R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in August this year, announced on Friday its decision to temporarily withdraw the ongoing cease-work demonstration. This decision was taken in consideration of the interests of the public, who rely on state-run hospitals for essential medical services.

Despite the withdrawal of their protest, WBJDF spokesperson Debasish Halder warned that junior doctors would initiate a fast-unto-death agitation if their demands, which fall under the jurisdiction of the West Bengal government, were not addressed within the next 24 hours. The WBJDF had previously set conditions for halting their ongoing cease-work agitation, which had resumed earlier this week on Tuesday.

The WBJDF’s primary demand focuses on ensuring justice for the rape and murder of the junior doctor, a demand that hinges on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Supreme Court. The judicial process, which has been moving slowly, has sparked anger and frustration among the junior doctors. The delay in delivering justice for the heinous crime has led to intensified calls for accountability and expedited legal proceedings.

In addition to their demand for justice for the victim, WBJDF has presented nine other demands, which they insist the state government must fulfill within 24 hours. These demands address various issues related to healthcare infrastructure, safety, and reforms, all of which are within the purview of the state authorities. According to the WBJDF representative, the response of the state government to these demands will determine whether further extreme measures, such as a fast-unto-death protest, will be necessary.

The junior doctors have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in West Bengal’s healthcare system, and their demands are aimed at bringing about systemic change. One of the key demands is the immediate removal of the state health secretary, whom the WBJDF accuses of inefficiency and failure in addressing the concerns of healthcare workers.

Another major demand put forward by the WBJDF is the introduction of a centralized referral system and a digital bed vacancy monitoring system. Such measures, they believe, would significantly improve patient management and ensure better healthcare services in the state’s hospitals. The junior doctors have also called for the establishment of task forces in each medical college, which would include elected representatives of junior doctors, to address specific issues at the institutional level.

Ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals has been a major point of concern for the junior doctors, particularly in light of the recent incident. Increased police protection in hospitals is one of the primary demands, as junior doctors have frequently faced violence and threats while on duty. The WBJDF is also demanding the immediate filling of vacant positions for doctors, nursing staff, and health workers to address the severe manpower shortage that has plagued government hospitals.

To address corruption and the prevailing culture of impunity, the junior doctors have demanded the establishment of inquiry committees at every medical college. These committees would investigate those involved in threat syndicates and ensure that appropriate action is taken against them. In addition, an inquiry committee must be established at the state level to ensure oversight and accountability across the healthcare system.

Other demands include the immediate conduct of student council elections in every medical college, which have been delayed for a considerable period. The junior doctors are also calling for a comprehensive investigation into widespread corruption and lawlessness within the West Bengal Medical Council and the West Bengal Health Recruitment Board.

The WBJDF’s protest and demands have highlighted critical issues within the state’s healthcare system, including inadequate security, insufficient staffing, and lack of accountability. The withdrawal of the cease-work demonstration provides temporary relief to the public, but the threat of a fast-unto-death protest underscores the seriousness of the junior doctors’ demands.

The response of the West Bengal government will be crucial in determining whether a resolution can be reached or if the healthcare sector will face further disruptions. The junior doctors have made it clear that they will not back down until concrete actions are taken to address their concerns and ensure the safety and well-being of healthcare workers across the state.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)