Kolkata: Healthcare services in West Bengal have been severely impacted as junior doctors continue their strike for the 13th consecutive day. The protest, which began in response to the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, has led to significant disruptions in state-run hospitals across the region.
On August 9, the body of the trainee doctor, who had suffered severe injuries, was discovered in a seminar hall within the hospital's chest department. This tragic event has spurred the ongoing protest by junior doctors, demanding justice for their colleague.
With the junior doctors on strike, senior doctors have been called in to cover shifts at various hospitals. Despite these efforts, many outpatient departments and non-emergency services remain crippled, causing long lines of patients at state-run hospitals. A senior doctor from Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital stated, "We are not issuing tickets until we confirm that the doctors concerned are on duty. The number of patients seeking treatment is high, but the available doctors are few."
The absence of junior doctors has led to the rescheduling of some surgeries. The striking doctors plan to hold a rally in Kolkata to advocate for a swift resolution to the case and justice for their deceased colleague.
In response to the ongoing disruption, the Supreme Court has urged the protesting doctors nationwide to end their strike and return to work, emphasizing the urgent need to resume normal healthcare services.
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