Protesting Doctors to Hold Rally at Swasthya Bhavan, Vow to Continue Cease Work Unless Demands are met

Protesting junior doctors in West Bengal have vowed to continue their strike despite a Supreme Court order requiring them to resume duties by 5 pm on Tuesday, September 10. The directive came after the West Bengal government assured the court that no punitive actions, such as transfers, would be taken against the doctors if they returned to work. The West Bengal Junior Doctor’s Front have taken out a rally to the Swastha Bhavan in Kolkata demanding the resignation of the state health secretary and a conducive and safe work environment.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bengal branch on Monday expressed its dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court's decision. The IMA criticized both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is handling the case, and the West Bengal government for not taking adequate measures to ensure justice for the victim and to address issues within the health sector. "We are totally disheartened by the proceedings of the court and CBI. No step was taken for a speedy trial to deliver justice to our colleague. We were even more disheartened to learn that the Hon'ble Supreme Court has asked the junior doctors, who are the forerunners of this protest, to return to work by 5 pm tomorrow,” said the IMA Bengal branch in a statement. The IMA warned that the protests would continue and intensify until a resolution is achieved.

In response to the court's order, the striking doctors announced plans to hold a rally at 'Swasthya Bhavan', the headquarters of the state's health department in Salt Lake. They are demanding the resignation of the state's health secretary and the director of health education.

Meanwhile, Kolkata witnessed rallies on Monday evening as part of an event called ‘9-9-9’. Participants gathered at various locations, including Shyambazar, Esplanade, New Town, Jadavpur 8B terminus, Bally, and Mandirtala in Howrah. At 9 pm, they assembled for nine minutes, singing the national anthem and demanding justice for the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital trainee doctor who was raped and murdered.