The decision of the junior doctors to resume essential services is welcome. However, the agitation will continue till justice is finally delivered.

The city has witnessed unprecedented agitation by the common people after the gruesome rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The people are sad. The public anger is palpable and early justice is being rightly demanded.

This time of the year is celebrated by all communities, welcoming the warrior goddess. However, this year seems to be an exception.

The demands of this agitation are specific :

• Justice for the rape and murder victim
• Identification of all culprits and their arrest. A clear word on the motive of the crime
• Ensure the safety of doctors and all healthcare workers.
• End of the reign of fear at medical colleges..

The exact motive of the crime is still unclear. Justice is a long procedure but the alleged disappearance of evidence is extremely worrisome. Though initially it was a law and order problem but people were extremely dissatisfied in the manner in which the case was handled.

The movement started with the demand for justice but the entire health system has now been questioned. There is a possibility that both may be interlinked. A nexus of illegal practices, corruption and crime has been alleged.

Although the young doctors were on strike till recently, the senior faculty provided service in the government hospitals. The Supreme Court advised the doctors to resume normal duties in the interest of common patients.

The initial failure of talks between the doctors and state government is unfortunate. A solution is mandatory. The recent transfer of police and health officials by the state government has been welcomed. Many people had lost confidence in them.

It has been alleged that examination marks have been tampered with in recent times. This is dangerous for the future of medical education. The entire system needs to be investigated and corrected as necessary.

Otherwise the quality of healthcare in the future will be negatively affected.

In government hospitals, there is unrestricted access of unauthorised persons in some areas. This should be immediately stopped. There must be adequate CCTV surveillance in all areas.

Change and rest-rooms have to be easily accessible. All illegal business within the hospital like disposal of biomedical waste should be investigated.

Although this agitation is led by the doctors the huge mass support is easily discernible. It is a non-partisan and collective protest. The government and all political parties should respect this. However, every choice is political, including the decision to stay apolitical. The President of the country has expressed serious reservations about the incident.

In 1983 the All Bengal Junior Doctors Federation (ABJDF) went into strike demanding better working conditions. However, it was nothing like the present agitation which involved common people from all walks of life. There are more than 90,000 MBBS registered medical practitioners in the state, including about 7,000 junior doctors. The junior doctors play a crucial role in the daily functioning of government hospitals. Their contribution to healthcare is invaluable.

The government has made repeated appeals for normalisation of all medical services. However, the demand for justice cannot be abandoned. It is also true that the people requiring treatment should not be ignored. The senior doctors have been trying to do their best day and night. However, they need assistance of the junior doctors. The suspension of all medical services cannot be indefinite. The government must settle the just demands early to ensure complete resumption of services.

The government hospitals provide treatment for the majority of people in the state. The present agitation is limited to the alleged irregularities in the government hospitals only.

This unfortunate event has damaged the image of Bengal in India and abroad. There have been protests in various countries.

This agitation has united all irrespective of gender, caste or economic status. The doctors working in the private sector have participated wholeheartedly. In hospitals there can be no gender bias in the allotment of duties.

The outcome of the CBI investigation and Supreme Court verdict are being eagerly awaited.

People are questioning that what is there to celebrate this Puja when we have lost our daughter in the most tragic circumstances. She would have served the society for many years if she could have completed her education. Artistic pandals and theme pujas appear less relevant this
year.

Business at the popular South City Mall has been significantly affected in the past one month.

It is unfortunate that many livelihoods have been affected. However, the gradual resumption of services in government hospitals is welcome. Life in Calcutta will normalise but such inhuman crimes should never recur.