Kolkata, August 12 – A wave of protests has erupted across various medical college hospitals in West Bengal, including Kolkata, following the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident occurred on Friday night, with the doctor found dead in a seminar hall on the fourth floor of the hospital.
The tragic event has led to widespread outrage among postgraduate doctors in the state, who have since gone on strike. Medical services, particularly in emergency departments, have been severely disrupted as doctors demand justice and improved safety measures. Hospitals such as NRS Medical College, Calcutta Medical College, and RG Kar Medical College have been particularly affected.
Protesters claim they are not attending work due to concerns over their safety but stress that services have not been forcibly halted. Despite this, patients have been left in distress as the strike continues. The doctors have issued a four-point demand and vowed to persist in their protests until these are met.
In response to the mounting pressure, RG Kar Hospital Principal Sandeep Ghosh resigned on Monday morning, though he stated his decision was voluntary and not a result of coercion. He urged the protesting doctors to return to work, but they have demanded a formal resignation letter, which Ghosh later provided.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Police have arrested Calcutta Civic Police officer Sanjay Roy in connection with the incident. Roy has reportedly confessed to his involvement, but the investigation is ongoing to determine if others were also involved.
The protests are expected to continue, with the situation in West Bengal's healthcare system remaining tense.
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