In the wake of the tragic rape and murder case of a female doctor at RG Kar Medical College, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front has announced their decision to call off the ongoing strike after 42 days. The strike, which began as a form of protest demanding better security and justice for the victim, will officially end tomorrow, with doctors expected to return to work on Saturday.
Emergency Services to Resume
While the strike will be called off, the Junior Doctors Front has stated that only emergency services will be resumed initially. These include critical care units, casualty wards, and other life-saving services, which have been heavily impacted during the protest period.
OPD Services Remain Suspended
However, outpatient department (OPD) services, which cater to non-emergency patients, will remain suspended. This decision is a part of the doctors’ ongoing demand for improved safety measures for medical professionals. They seek assurance from the government that stricter protocols will be implemented to prevent future incidents of violence against healthcare workers.
Doctors’ Demands for Safety
The decision to strike followed the horrific incident involving the rape and murder of a junior doctor, sparking outrage across the state. The Junior Doctors Front has been calling for increased security in hospitals, more stringent laws to protect healthcare workers, and swift justice for the victim. While the strike will end, their demands remain firm, and they hope to see concrete action from the authorities.
Ongoing Investigation
The police have launched an investigation into the RG Kar Medical College case, and the accused has been arrested. The authorities have promised a speedy trial, ensuring that justice is served for the victim and her family.
With the strike set to end, the public is hopeful that essential medical services will gradually return to normal while the doctors’ concerns about safety continue to be addressed.