Kolkata Doctor's Fast Triggers Healthcare Reform Debate; West Bengal Government Details Security Upgrades

The recent hospitalization of junior doctor Aniket Mahato, who has been on a hunger strike demanding medical safety reforms in West Bengal, has intensified the spotlight on ongoing healthcare protests. Junior doctors have raised concerns about inadequate security in medical colleges following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College on August 9. This has prompted a surge in calls for comprehensive improvements in medical facilities across the state.

Government Outlines Health Care Initiatives

In response to these concerns, the West Bengal government, led by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has released a detailed status report outlining significant improvements to healthcare security and infrastructure. Chief Secretary Manoj Pant shared these updates via email, highlighting progress in multiple areas aimed at enhancing the safety and working conditions in medical colleges. The reforms are part of a broader initiative designed to address the doctors’ demands and prevent future incidents like the August tragedy.

Key highlights of the report include:

• Installation of 7,051 CCTV cameras: Surveillance systems are being rolled out across medical institutions to improve monitoring and enhance security.
• 893 new duty rooms and 778 washrooms: These infrastructural upgrades are meant to provide better working environments for medical staff.
• Proper lighting, alarm systems, and biometric access controls: Security measures are being bolstered to prevent unauthorized access and improve safety standards in hospitals.
• Rs 113 crore allocation: The state government has invested heavily in these upgrades, with over 90% of the projects nearing completion. However, R.G. Kar Medical College faces delays due to the late issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by investigating authorities, with completion expected by October 15.

Stakeholder Involvement and Grievance Redressal

To ensure comprehensive participation in these initiatives, the government has formed Stakeholders Committees in every medical college and hospital. These committees comprise department heads, senior and junior doctors, and nursing staff, all of whom are tasked with providing feedback on ongoing projects. This collaboration aims to ensure that the implemented measures meet the needs of the healthcare community.

In addition to the Stakeholders Committees, the government has established a State-Level Grievance Redressal Committee to address any concerns raised by healthcare workers. Grievances can be reported via email or through a toll-free helpline (1800-257-0511), offering a centralized channel for the resolution of healthcare-related issues.

Security Audit and Increased Policing

The Security Audit Committee, led by former West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Surajit Kar Purkayastha, is another crucial component of the government’s response. This committee is responsible for assessing existing security measures and recommending improvements. The audit has already been completed for several medical colleges, and heightened police vigilance is being maintained.

As part of efforts to enhance the safety of medical staff, particularly women, the state has deployed 1,113 women constables to hospitals and medical colleges. Additionally, 1,514 private security personnel, vetted and trained by the police, have been assigned to bolster security in these institutions.

Protests Escalate Despite Government Efforts

Despite these measures, the junior doctors remain dissatisfied, arguing that the government’s response lacks urgency and concrete solutions. The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, which is spearheading the protests, has vowed to intensify its movement following Mahato’s hospitalization. In a statement, Debashis Halder, a representative of the doctors, urged civil society to stand in solidarity with the protesting medical staff. A rally is scheduled for Friday near the Dharmatala hunger strike site, signaling the continuation of the protest until their demands are fully met.

The protesting doctors have presented a ten-point list of demands, which they assert are necessary to prevent further incidents like the rape-murder at R.G. Kar Medical College. These demands focus on improving security, ensuring better working conditions, and enhancing medical infrastructure across the state.

Aniket Mahato’s Condition and Government Response

Aniket Mahato’s health deteriorated significantly after days of fasting, prompting his admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital on Thursday. According to Dr. Soma Mukherjee, head of the ICU and Department of Anaesthesia, a medical board has been formed to oversee Mahato’s treatment. She confirmed that they have just begun his care, and his condition is being closely monitored.

In light of Mahato’s hospitalization, Chief Secretary Pant once again urged the junior doctors to end their hunger strike, citing concerns for their health and the need for the swift resumption of normal medical services. “We request that you withdraw from the hunger strike immediately for the sake of your health and to ensure the restoration of normalcy,” Pant stated in his email.

However, the doctors have expressed frustration over the perceived inadequacy of the government’s response, with some claiming that the authorities have only offered verbal assurances without tangible action. The doctors are demanding a formal status report and a security audit as evidence of the government’s commitment to their safety and working conditions.

Real-Time Bed Availability and Future Plans

Looking ahead, the state government is also implementing a real-time bed availability and central referral system. This system, set to pilot in South 24 Parganas and Diamond Harbour on October 15, aims to streamline patient referrals and improve access to healthcare services. The government plans to expand this initiative across the state by November 1.