West Bengal Medical Council has called on doctors across the state to end their ongoing strike and return to work, emphasizing the importance of public health. This appeal comes amid widespread protests by doctors following the tragic death of a post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, which has sparked outrage across the country.
In a letter signed by Council President Sudipto Roy, the West Bengal Medical Council expressed deep shock and sorrow over the incident, strongly condemning the sexual assault and murder of the young doctor. “We demand justice through the immediate arrest and speedy trial of the guilty person,” the letter stated.
The Council acknowledged the swift intervention by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has accepted the demands of the protesting doctors and directed the administration to take prompt action against those responsible. “The Council has full confidence in the Chief Minister and the State Government, believing that the family of our deceased colleague will receive speedy justice,” the letter added.
However, the Council also voiced concern over the indefinite strike by a section of the medical community, noting that it is disrupting essential medical services for the poor who rely on government hospitals. “In this situation, the West Bengal Medical Council requests all doctors to call off their strike and return to work as soon as possible, keeping in mind the health of the common people,” the Council urged.
The post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. An investigation has confirmed that the victim was raped and murdered, with signs of a struggle evident on the body. The victim’s family has alleged foul play.
In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday transferred the investigation of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
