Doctors' Strike in West Bengal: Protest Intensifies as Senior Medics Join Stir, Government-Run Hospitals May Witness Total Shutdown

Kolkata, June 12: The strike called by junior doctors in West Bengal to protest against the assault of an intern by a patient's relatives has gained support from their seniors. Due to doctors' strike, outdoor patient departments at government hospitals will remain shut today from 9:00 am. to 9:00 pm. Emergency departments would be operational but the availability of doctors will remain uncertain.

The doctors went on a strike after an intern at the Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital was seriously injured following a clash between junior doctors and relatives of a patient who died late Monday night due to alleged negligence. While government-run hospitals stare at total shutdown, private healthcare facilities may also get affected as many private hospitals have expressed solidarity with the protesting doctors. Delhi: Resident Doctors at Safdarjung Hospital Call off Strike.

Healthcare services at government-run hospitals across the state were affected on Tuesday after junior doctors stopped working. The agitating doctors said they won't resume work until the state government ensure their safety. They also accused cops of inaction when their colleague was beaten. The protesters reportedly heckled some cops and ministers who visited the Kolkata hospital.

Visuals outside a Kolkata hospital:

West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) president and Trinamool MLA Nirmal Maji, on Tuesday, told PTI that officials were trying to persuade the doctors to resume work. "The chief minister has sent MoS Health Chandrima Bhattacharya, Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma, myself and other senior officials to talk to them. We are looking into their demand and hopefully the matter will be solved quickly," Maji said.

Patients are bearing the brunt of the strike. "My patient is not receiving any treatment from last three days. I am not allowed to enter the hospital. Many patients are dying," a patient's attendant told ANI.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 12, 2019 11:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).