Healthcare Crisis in West Bengal: Doctor Strike in 13th Day

Healthcare services in state-run hospitals in West Bengal remain severely affected as junior doctors continue their 13-day ceasework. This protest follows the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at RG Kar hospital. The state government is urging doctors to resume work as patients suffer.

Healthcare services at state-run hospitals in West Bengal remain paralyzed for the 13th day due to a strike by junior doctors protesting the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at RG Kar hospital.

Senior doctors have been instructed to fill in for the striking junior doctors, as the state government continues to urge the protesting medics to return to work. 'Our stir will continue until we ensure justice for our sister. We understand that patients are facing problems, but our demands are justified,' a junior doctor told PTI.

The body of the trainee doctor, with severe injury marks, was discovered in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital's seminar hall on August 9. Outpatient and non-emergency services have ground to a halt, causing long queues and delays for patients. In some cases, surgeries have been rescheduled due to the absence of junior doctors.

The protesting doctors plan to hold a rally in Kolkata to demand expedited justice for the deceased trainee. The Supreme Court also requested on Tuesday for protesting doctors nationwide to end their strike and return to their duties.

(With inputs from agencies.)