Mamata Banerjee Announces Doctor Salary Hike, Calls for Justice in RG Kar Case

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a salary hike for government doctors, proposed funds for medical colleges, and demanded justice for a rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical College. She emphasized the role of senior doctors and addressed systemic issues in the healthcare sector.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a significant salary increase for government doctors, with hikes ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. The announcement, made on Monday, aims to boost morale and recognize the contributions of medical professionals across the state.

Banerjee, also serving as the state's health minister, committed Rs 2 crore for cultural and sporting activities in each state medical college. She strongly condemned the rape and murder of a medic at RG Kar Medical College in August last year, reiterating her government's demand for strict punishment for the perpetrator, Sanjay Roy, whose life imprisonment sentence is under appeal in the Calcutta High Court.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of senior doctors mentoring junior colleagues and called for eight-hour service commitments from senior medics at government hospitals before engaging in private practice. She also addressed previous medical negligence issues at Midnapore Medical College, deciding to reinstate suspended junior doctors. Additionally, she highlighted the proposed Aparajita Bill, seeking to introduce capital punishment for rape resulting in death or vegetative state, now pending approval.