The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Forum (WBJDF) announced on Friday that it would withdraw its cease-work demonstration, initially launched in response to the horrific rape and murder of a junior doctor from R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in August. The decision comes in light of the need to prioritize the interests of the public seeking medical services at state-run hospitals.
Despite this withdrawal, WBJDF representative Debasish Halder warned that junior doctors would initiate a fast-unto-death protest if their demands, which fall under the jurisdiction of the West Bengal government, are not met within 24 hours. The organization had previously outlined conditions for ending their ongoing agitation, which resumed on Tuesday.
The first of their ten demands concerns the prolonged judicial process necessary to secure justice for the victim, with fulfillment dependent on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Supreme Court. Halder stated that the success of the remaining nine demands would rely on the state government’s commitment to addressing them.
The remaining demands include the immediate removal of the state health secretary, the introduction of a centralized referral system, and the establishment of a digital bed vacancy monitor. Additionally, the forum seeks the creation of task forces in each medical college with elected junior doctor representation, enhanced police protection in hospitals, and the filling of vacant positions for doctors, nursing staff, and health workers.
They are also calling for the formation of inquiry committees in every medical college to investigate individuals involved in threat syndicates and ensure accountability. At the state level, they demand an inquiry into rampant corruption and lawlessness within the West Bengal Medical Council and the West Bengal Health Recruitment Board, alongside immediate elections for student councils in every medical college.
The junior doctors emphasize that their next steps will hinge on the government’s response to these urgent issues.