On Saturday, a significant protest erupted across several state-run medical colleges and hospitals in West Bengal in response to the alleged rape and murder of a junior woman doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This widespread demonstration has drawn attention to the need for justice and enhanced safety measures in medical institutions.
Key Participants and Actions
- Protest Locations: The protest has spread to major medical institutions including Calcutta Medical College, NRS Medical College, National Medical College, and Sagar Dutta Medical College, among others.
- Nature of Protest: Junior doctors, resident doctors, house staff, interns, and post-graduate trainees have initiated a ‘cease work’ protest. Only emergency services and in-house patient departments are operational in most government-run hospitals.
Specific Actions at R G Kar Medical College
- Demonstration: Junior doctors at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital have staged a sit-in at the main gate, chanting slogans such as ‘No Safety, No Duty’.
- Calls for Action: Protesters are demanding a judicial investigation into the incident, increased safety measures, and improved infrastructure within the hospital. Concerns include the lack of functioning CCTVs and inadequate on-duty restrooms.
Statements from Protesters
- Anonymous Junior Doctor: “We demand justice for the victim. We want a judicial probe into the incident. We want the administration to ensure safety for all of us. There are no CCTVs where the incident took place. In many places, CCTVs lay defunct. There are no proper on-duty restrooms for us.”
- Rejection of Politicization: The junior doctors at R G Kar Medical College have made it clear that they do not wish to politicize the issue, as evidenced by their response to INTUC workers protesting in front of the hospital.
- Additional Demands: Another junior doctor stated, “We want a proper transparent investigation and the arrest of the culprit within 48 hours. A fast-track court should be set up, and the culprit should be awarded capital punishment.” They also called for briefings for student representatives, installation of CCTVs, and 24×7 security coverage.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What was the primary reason for the protest in West Bengal’s medical colleges and hospitals?
a) Demands for increased salaries
b) Alleged rape and murder of a junior woman doctor
c) Disagreement over hospital management
d) Issues with hospital equipment
Answer: b) Alleged rape and murder of a junior woman doctor
2. What specific action did the junior doctors at R G Kar Medical College take during the protest?
a) Held a press conference
b) Staged a sit-in at the main gate
c) Participated in a media interview
d) Organized a charity event
Answer: b) Staged a sit-in at the main gate
3. What are some of the demands made by the protesting junior doctors?
a) Increased pay and benefits
b) Installation of additional equipment
c) A judicial investigation, improved safety, and functioning CCTVs
d) Better training programs
Answer: c) A judicial investigation, improved safety, and functioning CCTVs
4. How did the junior doctors at R G Kar Medical College respond to INTUC workers protesting in front of the hospital?
a) Joined the INTUC protest
b) Ignored the INTUC workers
c) Chanted ‘Go Back Slogans’
d) Held a separate demonstration
Answer: c) Chanted ‘Go Back Slogans’
5. What additional safety measures are being demanded by the protesters?
a) Reduction in hospital fees
b) More advanced medical equipment
c) 24×7 security coverage and proper security personnel in hostels
d) Improved cafeteria services
Answer: c) 24×7 security coverage and proper security personnel in hostels