GUWAHATI: Junior doctors in Kolkata, protesting the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, have demanded a second meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Despite recent administrative changes, the doctors are unsatisfied with what they call a "partial victory," as they continue to air their agitation against the WB government.
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Earlier, the government had replaced Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineeth Goyal with Manoj Kumar Verma, along with the removal of key officials such as the Director of Health Services and Director of Medical Education. However, the protesters insist that Health Secretary N.S. Nigam, whose removal was reportedly assured by Banerjee, should also be dismissed.
In an email sent to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, the doctors sought a follow-up meeting with Banerjee to discuss safety improvements for health professionals. They are demanding a detailed plan on how the allocated ₹100 crore will be used to enhance doctor safety in hospitals.
The doctors also pressed for systemic reforms in public healthcare, including streamlining the referral process, tackling corruption in admissions, and ensuring the availability of life-saving drugs. They called for immediate notification of a promised task force and requested student body elections with junior doctor representation in decision-making.
On August 9 2024, a trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, was found raped and murdered in a college building. The incident has sparked a nationwide uproar, as protestors and political activists are still seeking resolution via a thorough investigation.