West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of 29 people who reportedly died due to a lack of medical treatment amid a strike by junior doctors. The strike, which began on August 9, was triggered by the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
In a statement, Banerjee expressed her sorrow over the deaths and stated that the compensation is intended to provide some relief to the affected families. The junior doctors have been protesting in response to the tragic incident and the perceived inadequacies in the handling of the case.
The ongoing strike has led to a significant disruption in health services across the state, and junior doctors have continued their demonstrations outside Swasthya Bhawan in Kolkata, even in adverse weather conditions.
In addition to the compensation announcement, junior doctors have written to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Union Health Minister JP Nadda, seeking intervention in the case. They are calling for justice for their colleague and for assurances that they can perform their duties without fear.
Mamata Banerjee has also urged the doctors to return to work, stating she is willing to resign if necessary to resolve the situation and ensure that the public continues to receive medical services.