Healthcare Services Hit Amid Protest Over Doctor's Murder in West Bengal

Healthcare services in West Bengal's state-run hospitals were disrupted for the 15th consecutive day due to protests by junior doctors over the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College. Despite the Supreme Court's appeal, doctors continue their strike demanding justice.

Healthcare services at state-run hospitals in West Bengal faced significant disruption on Friday as junior doctors continued their strike for the 15th consecutive day. The protest is against the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital (RGKMCH).

Despite an appeal from the Supreme Court urging them to return to work, the agitating doctors remain firm. 'Our protest will continue until the culprits are punished,' an agitating doctor stated. The court reiterated on Thursday that no coercive action would be taken against the striking doctors, emphasizing that both judges and doctors must uphold their duty as they deal with matters of life and liberty.

The number of patients at various government hospitals has significantly decreased amid the ongoing protests, according to a senior doctor from SSKM Hospital. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing the alleged crime, and several officials from RGKMCH have been transferred or had their postings canceled. On August 9, the body of the woman postgraduate trainee was discovered, and a civic volunteer was arrested the following day.