Junior doctors at Sagore Dutta Medical College and Hospital in Kamarhati launched a cease-work protest on Saturday, following an alleged attack by the relatives of a deceased patient. The incident occurred in the women’s ward on Friday, where health workers were reportedly harassed and assaulted after the patient’s death.
The attack, caught on CCTV footage, shows a woman using a plate-like object to strike doctors and other health workers. According to a junior doctor, “Around 10-12 relatives of the patient entered the ward at 4:30 pm yesterday (Friday). Most of them were men. They harassed and abused the doctors and health workers on duty.”
Delayed Police Response
The doctors have criticized the police response, stating that personnel from the newly established outpost at the hospital took 30 minutes to arrive at the scene. This delay has added to the doctors’ frustration, leading them to demand better security measures at the hospital.
Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack, but the junior doctors are determined to continue their strike until they receive assurances of a safer working environment. The cease-work protest has disrupted outpatient and emergency services at the government-run hospital, affecting patient care.
Solidarity Across West Bengal
The incident at Sagore Dutta Medical College has sparked wider protests across other state-run medical institutions in West Bengal. Junior doctors at these hospitals are holding agitations in solidarity, with discussions ongoing about potentially extending the cease-work protest across the state.
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Recalling the recent movement for justice following the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Hospital, one doctor at Sagore Dutta remarked, “We were given various promises by the administration regarding hospital security.” Despite those assurances, the lack of timely action during this latest incident has fueled anger among the medical community.
Notably, the junior doctors protesting over the RG Kar case had only partially lifted their cease-work protest last week, making this latest development another blow to healthcare services in West Bengal.
As protests continue, hospital administrations and the state government will need to address concerns over safety and security in hospitals to prevent further disruptions in healthcare services.
