Tensions Rise: Assault Sparks Cease-Work Protest by West Bengal Doctors

An assault on two junior doctors by a patient's relatives at a West Bengal hospital led to their arrest and prompted a cease-work protest. The incident, happening during emergency care, has stirred demands for improved security. A probe is underway to address both parties' complaints.

Two individuals were detained following an alleged attack on-duty doctors at Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Hospital in Kalyani, West Bengal, as reported by law enforcement on Tuesday. This incident provoked junior doctors to initiate a cease-work protest, calling for enhanced security measures.

The altercation emerged when a road accident victim arrived with critical head injuries, setting off a confrontation between the patient's relatives and medical personnel. Reports suggest that 10 to 15 relatives assaulted two junior doctors, causing minor injuries before police intervened to control the situation, leading to two arrests.

In response, junior doctors have ceased work until their demands for better security are met, citing inadequate CCTV and security provisions. Hospital officials, addressing complaints from both involved parties, are establishing a probe committee, with the priority of reinstating hospital normalcy.

(With inputs from agencies.)