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Medinipur, West Bengal – A total of 38 doctors at the state-run Medinipur Medical College and Hospital have embarked on a marathon hunger strike to protest the suspension of 12 of their colleagues. The junior doctors initiated their protest late Saturday night.
The suspensions stem from the tragic deaths of a woman and her newborn, allegedly following the administration of expired Ringer’s Lactate. The striking doctors contend that the suspension of 12 doctors, including the Medical Superintendent-cum-Vice Principal (MSVP) and the Resident Medical Officer (RMO), is an attempt to deflect attention from the real culprit: the supply of expired saline by Paschal Bang Pharmaceuticals Limited, a company previously blacklisted by both the Karnataka and West Bengal governments.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while announcing the suspensions, seemingly exonerated the pharmaceutical company that supplied the expired Ringer’s Lactate.
The protesting doctors claim they have repeatedly appealed for the reinstatement of their suspended colleagues through various channels, but to no avail. This hunger strike follows a partial cease-work at the hospital, which began a few days prior.
Two investigations are currently underway: one by a state health department-appointed expert team, and another by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police.
The Service Doctors’ Forum (SDF), an association of doctors practicing in West Bengal, has approached Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, urging him to initiate a judicial probe into the deaths. The SDF alleges that the suspensions are a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the administration of expired saline by a blacklisted entity.
The SDF further asserts that the post-mortem report of the deceased woman, Mamoni Ruidas, clearly indicates that her death resulted from the adverse effects of administered saline or medication. They argue that under these circumstances, the suspension of 12 doctors is an unjustified and misguided action.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the information provided.
