KOLKATA: Junior doctors in Kolkata are defying a court order to end their protests following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at a state-run hospital. The victim’s body was discovered on August 9, sparking nationwide outrage in India.
A hospital volunteer has been arrested in connection with the crime, which is now under investigation by a federal agency. While protests have diminished in other parts of India, doctors in Kolkata remain resolute, demanding justice and changes to improve safety and accountability.
Protesters have set up camp outside the state health department headquarters, presenting five main demands: justice for the victim, removal of senior police officials, and enhanced security for health workers, among others.
The Supreme Court’s deadline for the doctors to resume work passed on Tuesday evening. The court is still reviewing the case, and the protests have placed West Bengal’s state government, with Kolkata as its capital, under significant pressure. The local administration and police have faced criticism for their handling of the case, which they have denied.
According to the state government, 23 people have died due to not receiving medical services during the strike. Local reports and social media footage show that the absence of doctors has negatively impacted patient care.
However, protesting doctors assert that emergency services are being maintained. “Senior doctors are doing everything possible,” said Dr. Amrita Bhattacharya from the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front. “We’re providing healthcare through telemedicine from the protest sites. While we can’t replace hospital facilities, we’re here to treat patients.”
On Wednesday, authorities rejected the doctors’ conditions for negotiations, which included broadcasting their meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee live on television. Protests, primarily centered in Kolkata, have seen over 300 rallies in the past month, many organized by women and some escalating into chaotic political demonstrations.
The protests have garnered support from other health workers and members of the public. Banners and posters calling for justice for the victim, referred to as Abhaya, which means fearless, are prominently displayed.
The murder of their colleague has deeply shaken the doctors. Dr. Bhattacharya recounted how her mother would call her to ensure she had arrived safely at the hospital. “How can we return to work knowing that those who murdered our colleague might still be free?” she questioned.
West Bengal’s Trinamool Congress-led government has accused the protests of being politicized by opponents. However, doctors insist they are not aligned with any political party or ideology. Dr. Sumantra Dey emphasized that their focus is on the issue at hand rather than political affiliations.
“This is a united front,” he said, using a football analogy. “We might be Barcelona or Manchester United, but right now, we are all playing for India.”
