In the wake of escalating tensions between protesting doctors and the West Bengal government, a group of junior doctors has formally appealed to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for intervention. The doctors have been on strike since August 9, following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The crisis, which has gripped the state and captured national attention, has reached a critical juncture with the doctors demanding immediate justice and reforms. Despite multiple attempts to negotiate, talks with the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have stalled for three consecutive days.
In their letter to President Murmu, which was also addressed to Prime Minister Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Health Minister JP Nadda, the doctors highlighted the urgent need for justice for their deceased colleague and sought intervention to address the “institutional threats, violence, and vandalism” that have plagued their profession. The letter stated, “We humbly place the issues before your esteemed excellency, as the head of state, so that our unfortunate colleague who has been the victim of the most despicable crime shall receive justice, and so that we, the healthcare professionals under the West Bengal Health department, may be able to discharge our duties to the public without fear and apprehension.”
The unrest began after a trainee doctor was found brutally raped and murdered, sparking widespread protests and calls for enhanced security measures in medical institutions. The situation was further exacerbated when the West Bengal government’s attempts to negotiate were disrupted by procedural disagreements. The doctors’ demand for a live telecast of the negotiations was not met, leading to further tensions.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had previously offered to resign as a gesture of goodwill, expressed frustration over the ongoing deadlock. She accused some members of the protesting delegation of receiving instructions from external sources, which she claimed obstructed the negotiation process. “I know many in the delegation were interested in talks. But two or three people were giving instructions from outside. We could see that because it was being recorded by the press,” Banerjee stated.
The situation remains unresolved as both sides struggle to reach a compromise. The doctors are pressing for substantial changes to improve safety and security in medical institutions, while the West Bengal government seeks to restore normalcy and resume healthcare services. The involvement of national leaders underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a swift resolution.
Sources By Agencies
