Bengal doctors announce 'total cease-work', cites slow probe into Kolkata rape

Protesting junior doctors across West Bengal have resumed their strike, saying that unless they see action from the Mamata Banerjee government on their demands, the strike will continue.

In Short

• Doctors demand better safety, security in West Bengal hospitals
• Removal of Bengal's health secretary demanded by doctors
• March from College Square to Dharmatala planned on October 2

Protesting junior doctors in West Bengal resumed their indefinite 'total cease work' on Tuesday to press for various demands, including ensuring their safety and security at all medical establishments.

Earlier on September 21, the junior doctors had rejoined their duties partially at government hospitals after a 42-day protest following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical Centre and Hospital.

Speaking about their demands, representatives of the protesting doctors said, "We are anguished regarding the slow proceedings of RG Kar horror investigations. In the last 50 days, only a few per cent of CCTV cameras have been put in place at state-run hospitals. The attack on doctors at Sagar Dutta Medical College and Hospital shows the insufficient security of medics..."

"We are feeling unsafe in such a terrible state of fear. Dissolve of 'Rogi Kalyan Committees' at state-run hospital did not take place as assured by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. We demand the immediate removal of the health secretary of the state from his post," they said

"It's been ten days passed we resumed work but none of the assurances were fulfilled given by the government. We see no progress in this. We have yet to get fearless working space at government-run hospitals. At this point, we are resuming full cease work from today until our demands get fulfilled," they added.

The junior medics have also called for a march from College Square to Dharmatala in central Kolkata on Wednesday and invited people from all walks of life to join them.

"We are calling for a march and assembly on October 2, on Mahalaya. It will be from College Square to Dharmatala where there will be an assembly. We urge people from all walks of society to join us at the rally," the junior doctors said in the statement.

The junior doctors said that justice for the trainee doctor continued to be on top of their demand and it should be answered immediately without any further delay in the form of a protracted judicial process.