Junior Doctors Demand Further Action in Kolkata Protest

The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, protesting a doctor's rape and murder, requests another meeting with the state Chief Secretary, citing unresolved demands. Some were met, including removal of top officials. The group criticizes the state's misogynistic 'Aparajita Act' as divisionary and unhelpful.

The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front continues its protest against the rape and murder of a doctor at a Kolkata hospital, seeking another meeting with the state Chief Secretary to address unresolved demands. While some demands were met, such as the removal of the police chief of Kolkata and two senior health officials, others remain unaddressed.

The group condemned attempts to politicize their movement and spread false accusations through emails and audio clips. In a recent dialogue with the Chief Minister, the doctors discussed their five-point demands, some of which were partially fulfilled, according to a press release issued on Tuesday. The front specifically criticized the provisions of the 'Aparajita Act', which includes stopping night shifts for doctors.

The 'Aparajita Act' was called out for its deep-rooted misogyny and for imposing restrictive measures that create gender divides. The Junior Doctors Front argued before the Supreme Court that these restrictions do not ensure genuine security for women and instead infringe on their freedoms. Following the meeting, Dr. Kaustav Nayak and Dr. Debashis Halder were removed from their posts as Director of Medical Education and Director of Health Services, respectively.

Additional removals included Dr. Suparna Dutta and Dr. Swapan Soren from their roles at the Institute of Health and Family Welfare. Nayak will now serve as the Institute's Director, while Halder will serve as Officer on Special Duty for Public Health at Swasthya Bhawan. The body of the 31-year-old doctor, found at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, has led to a state-wide strike involving thousands of junior doctors.

(With inputs from agencies.)