Junior doctors in Calcutta have refused to join work, saying that their protest shall continue until all their demands have been fulfilled. The Supreme Court had reportedly asked them to end their ceasework by 5 pm on September 10, assuring the protesting doctors that no action would be taken against them if they did so. If, however, they did not, adverse action could be taken against them. This was the third time that the Supreme Court had asked them to join work. This time the Trinamool Congress, too, had the same request, citing their oath to heal the sick. The junior doctors’ strike began after the rape and murder of their colleague in R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 with demands for its investigation, for security and proper conditions of work and rest in hospitals, the removal of the principal of R.G. Kar Hospital and so on. The principal was removed, some other officials too, and the probe is with the Central Bureau of Investigation with the Supreme Court keeping a close eye on it. The health department claims that safety features, resting areas and washrooms are being introduced, although they cannot be completed by September 10.

Meanwhile, the junior doctors’ demands have grown in number. In the latest set of conditions for their return to work are the resignation of the police chief, the health secretary, the director of health education and the director of health services, the last three to ‘cleanse’ the health sector. Their prolonged absence from work has meant an enormous load for senior doctors; even then many patients are going untreated while surgeries and medical tests are being cancelled. So far it has been claimed that over 20 patients have died because of lack of treatment. This is a tragic outcome. But even if so many patients had not died, it cannot be denied that the junior doctors’ prime responsibility is towards their patients. Their anger and suspicions are understandable, so is their need to protest and to register their grief and horror at the violent death of their colleague. Their protest was greeted with sympathy and admiration in the first few days. But should doctors hold the state to ransom at the cost of human lives? They have raised many crucial questions, but this is a question they must answer.