With the junior doctors’ protest running for more than 50 days now, there seems to be a difference of opinions within the medical fraternity and society at large on whether they should continue with their strike. Although it was called off on September 19, the doctors returned to “full ceasework” on Monday ahead of the Durga Puja festivities.
On Tuesday, the junior medicos organized a large rally in Kolkata, drawing participants from various backgrounds. However, their strike’s adverse effects on medical services have sparked a debate about its need. Senior doctors, who were earlier supportive of complete work stoppage, have recommended that juniors pursue their movement through alternative means.
Dr Punyabrata Goon of the Joint Platform for Doctors reminded junior doctors that getting medical care is the right of every citizen and no one should be deprived of it due to the ongoing strike. He told THE WEEK, “We hope junior doctors will continue the movement in a way where common people’s interests are not affected.”
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Amidst reports of medical service disruptions in state government hospitals leading to deaths during the first round of strike, many junior doctors in multiple medical colleges across several districts, including in Bankura, Jhargram, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar, have also chosen not to participate in the ongoing ceasework.
Reportedly, the number of patients in outpatient departments (OPD) at Kolkata’s state-run medical colleges, which typically see over 5,000 patients daily, plummeted due to the doctors’ protest. The Government of West Bengal claimed that lakhs of people across the state were being deprived of specialized treatment, leading to 23 deaths.
In this context, the Supreme Court has consistently urged junior doctors to continue providing medical services. During the latest hearing on Monday, CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, after being informed by senior advocate Indira Jaisingh on behalf of junior doctors, noted that they were performing and shall perform their duties, including in OPD and IPD.
However, a day later, junior doctors, primarily from medical colleges in Kolkata, including RG Kar Medical College and Hospital where a trainee was tragically raped and murdered on August 9, resumed their strike.
They asserted that their demands for safety and security have not been fulfilled, despite assurances from the state government. Some acknowledge there is a disagreement about continuing the strike, while others consider it normal.
Dr Rumelika Kumar, a leading face of the movement from RG Kar, told THE WEEK, “We don’t want to continue with our strike. We want to return to work as soon as possible. But we don’t have any other option and we are figuring out how to continue our movement.”
She added that the state government has completed only 26 per cent of the CCTV installation work, while the construction works of duty rooms and washrooms stand at 49 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively.
The protesting doctors also highlight recent alleged attacks on medical professionals at the College of Medicine & Sagore Dutta Medical College and Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital by patients’ relatives. “These incidents show that our safety has not yet been ensured.”
Dr Rumelika also expressed concerns about the Supreme Court hearings, stating that the apex court has not been provided sufficient updates on the CBI investigations into the rape and murder case, as well as the alleged financial irregularities at RG Kar.
Another leader of the movement, Dr Arnab Mukhopadhyay, however, refuted claims of any disagreement among them. “Even a single person can have multiple opinion on a single matter. Ours is a mass movement so it’s very natural that people will have differing views. But for now, our strike will continue. There’s no question of stopping it.”
The state government, which has previously been tolerant of the movement and consistently invited the doctors for discussions during their initial strike, is now reportedly considering legal action. Additionally, post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctors may be barred from sitting for their exams if they do not achieve 80 per cent attendance.
These factors have also contributed to the rift among the doctors on whether to continue their strike.