Kolkata — The sit-in protest by junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital continued for the 33rd day on Friday, following the alleged rape and murder of a female trainee doctor. The doctors are demanding justice and have extended their strike, expressing dissatisfaction with the state government's response.
After proposed talks with the West Bengal government collapsed on Thursday, the striking doctors have sent an email to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her intervention in the matter. Copies of the email have also been sent to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Health Minister J.P. Nadda. As of now, no response has been received from the President's office.
Despite heavy rainfall, the junior doctors maintained their protest outside Swasthya Bhawan, holding up tarpaulins to shield themselves from the rain while chanting slogans like "We want justice." Many doctors wore raincoats to continue the demonstration. Senior doctors and members of the public joined in support, while police maintained barricades around the area. Arrangements for the protesting doctors were made by local residents.
On Thursday night, following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's press conference, the junior doctors addressed the media, stating, "We went to the state secretariat only to seek justice. The culprits should be punished to prevent such incidents in the future. We came here trusting the Chief Minister's office. We don't want power; we want justice. We have been on the streets for 33 days, and we are prepared to stay another 33 days if necessary."
Earlier on Thursday, the state secretariat had sent a letter to the protesters, proposing a discussion with the Chief Minister. Only 15 representatives were invited, and it was stipulated that the meeting would not be broadcast live. Despite this, 32 representatives arrived and were allowed entry. However, the government's refusal to permit live broadcasting led to a stalemate. Chief Minister Banerjee waited in the auditorium for nearly two hours, but the meeting did not proceed. She later held a press conference to clarify her position and apologized to the people of West Bengal.
"I apologize to the people of Bengal for not being able to find a solution even after three days," Banerjee said. "I forgive those who came to the state secretariat but did not participate in the meeting. I have endured much humiliation; my government has been insulted. Many misunderstandings and rumors have spread. If necessary, I am ready to resign. But they don't want justice; they want power. I hope the public understands this."
The doctors refuted her claims, insisting that their sole demand is justice for their deceased colleague and improved safety measures in the workplace. They emphasized that they are not seeking political power but are fighting for a cause that affects all medical professionals.
The ongoing stalemate has raised concerns about healthcare services in the state, as the strike continues to disrupt normal hospital operations. The junior doctors have vowed to persist with their protest until their demands are met.
Meanwhile, the state government faces increasing pressure to resolve the situation. With key healthcare services affected and public sentiment growing sympathetic toward the doctors, all eyes are on the administration's next move.
