Kolkata: Junior doctors at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal have opted not to proceed with their complete cease-work plan for now, instead prioritizing emergency services. This decision follows the Mamata Banerjee-led government’s suspension of 12 doctors, including senior officials and six post-graduate trainee doctors, for alleged medical negligence in a case involving the administration of Ringer Lactate (RL) saline, leading to a patient’s death.
Background and Protests
- Suspension of 12 Doctors: The state government suspended the Medical Superintendent and Vice-Principal (MSVP), Resident Medical Officer, an Assistant Professor, the Head of the Department, and six trainee doctors following the death of a woman allegedly linked to the administration of RL saline.
- Solidarity and Initial Strike Threat: Junior doctors at Midnapore Medical College initially planned a strike in solidarity with the suspended colleagues but decided to continue providing emergency services to avoid disrupting critical care.
- Future Course of Action: Representatives of the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF), who played a key role in the RG Kar protests, are traveling to Midnapore for discussions to determine the next steps.
Criticism of Government Action
- Doctor Associations’ Stand: The Joint Platform of Doctors, West Bengal, condemned the government’s action, labeling the suspension notice as unfair and a scapegoating tactic. The platform organized a solidarity march to Midnapore Medical College on Friday.
- Senior Doctors’ Questions: Dr. Subarna Goswami criticized the government for failing to investigate Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals, the RL supplier, and drug controllers. He stated that complaints about RL saline had been ignored for years.
- Impact on Healthcare System: Dr. Goswami warned that such punitive measures might deter doctors from working in the state’s government hospitals, exacerbating healthcare challenges for the underprivileged.
Opposition’s Reaction
- Blame on Health Department: BJP MP and Opposition leader Samik Bhattacharya accused the state health department of avoiding accountability and using doctors as scapegoats. He linked this action to retaliation against junior doctors for their involvement in the RG Kar protests, which had highlighted systemic issues in state healthcare.
Demands for Investigation
- A section of the medical community is calling for a comprehensive investigation into the woman’s death and a detailed examination of the RL saline supplied by Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals.
Conclusion
The ongoing protests highlight broader concerns about the working conditions of doctors in West Bengal’s government healthcare system. The outcome of the WBJDF meeting and further government responses will determine the trajectory of the situation, which could have significant implications for healthcare services in the state.
