CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Despite assurances from the West Bengal government that measures to enhance hospital security and safety are being gradually implemented, junior doctors in Kolkata persist with their indefinite hunger strike following the August 9 rape and murder of a trainee doctor.
West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant on October 8 had appealed to the medicos to end their strike, saying that 90 per cent of the work related to their safety and security in hospitals and medical colleges would be completed by October 10.
The junior doctors, however, refused to end their strike, stating that safety and security were just one aspect of their 10-point list of demands. On Wednesday, they tried to march towards different Durga Puja pandals of Kolkata with a symbolic statue of Abhaya. However, the police denied them permission, leading to a confrontation.
After a meeting with Principal Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam and officials from various state-run institutions, including the principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Panth urged junior doctors to end their hunger strike. He assured them that all safety and security measures would be completed by October 15.
He informed that out of 7,051 CCTV cameras across 28 state-run institutions, 3,181 (over 45%) have been installed, an increase from the 26% reported by the state government during the last Supreme Court hearing on September 30.
Additionally, the construction works of duty rooms and washrooms have progressed to 62 per cent and 65 per cent, respectively, up from 49 per cent and 40 per cent. Starting October 15, the state will launch a pilot project for a centralized referral system that displays real-time bed availability, allowing hospitals to refer patients accordingly.
The West Bengal government aims to implement this system in all state-run hospitals by the first week of November. Additionally, a panic button or alarm system is expected to be installed by November 1, addressing most of the safety and security demands made by junior doctors.
