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Midnapore, January 17: Junior doctors at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) began an indefinite cease work on Friday, January 17, protesting the suspension of 12 medical professionals, including six postgraduate trainees. The West Bengal government had suspended the doctors, accusing them of negligence following the death of a woman and critical illness of four others after childbirth.
The medics allege that the administration’s decision is an attempt to deflect attention from corruption and systemic issues in the state’s healthcare system.
The Trigger
The controversy erupted after a woman died and four others became critically ill at MMCH following the alleged administration of expired intravenous fluid. On January 16, the state government suspended the 12 doctors, including the Medical Superintendent and Vice Principal (MSVP), Resident Medical Officer (RMO), department head, senior resident, and six postgraduate trainees from the obstetrical-gynaecological (OBGN) and anaesthesia departments.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed the suspension, stating that investigations by the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and a 13-member expert committee concluded the doctors were negligent. She further announced that an FIR would be lodged, and the CID would continue its probe.
Banerjee also revealed that the government has halted the use of intravenous fluids and medicines manufactured by the firm in question across all state-run hospitals.
The Protests
The suspension sparked outrage among junior doctors, who accuse the administration of scapegoating their colleagues. Late Thursday night, junior medics from MMCH’s OBGN department launched a protest, which escalated into a full-fledged strike by Friday morning.
“We, the junior doctors, have started an indefinite complete cease work protesting the suspension of our six colleagues,” said a member of the Junior Doctors Forum. “This decision is not only unjust but a ploy to shift focus from adverse drug reactions, resource deficits, and corruption in the health department.”
The forum called the suspensions a “state of moral crisis” and pledged to stand in solidarity until the decision is revoked.
Impact on Healthcare Services
The indefinite strike has disrupted operations at MMCH, with junior doctors refusing to attend duties. The strike could escalate further if the government does not address their demands.
Broader Implications
The incident has highlighted growing tensions in the healthcare sector, with medics pointing to systemic issues and lack of accountability within the administration. Critics argue that punitive action against doctors without addressing broader systemic challenges risks further destabilizing the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
Next Steps
As the strike continues, the state government faces mounting pressure to find a resolution. With the healthcare system already strained, authorities must balance accountability with ensuring uninterrupted care for patients.
This developing story underscores the fragile state of public healthcare and the urgent need for reform to address corruption, resource deficits, and systemic inefficiencies.
