India
Healthcare services in Kolkata were thrown into disarray as doctors resumed their strike following a violent mob attack on a prominent city hospital. The incident, which took place late on Monday night, saw a group of nearly 50 individuals storm the hospital premises, vandalizing property and assaulting medical staff. The attack has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about the safety of healthcare workers in the state.
The doctors, who had initially called off their strike last week after assurances from the state government, have now taken to the streets again, demanding immediate action against the perpetrators. “We cannot work in an environment where our lives are constantly at risk,” said Dr. Anirban Chatterjee, a senior physician at the hospital. “The authorities must ensure our safety or we will continue our strike indefinitely.”
The incident has also drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has accused the West Bengal government of failing to maintain law and order in the state. “Why is the police silent? This is not the first time that healthcare workers have been attacked in West Bengal, and yet there is no accountability,” said BJP spokesperson Dilip Ghosh. The party has announced plans for a statewide protest, demanding justice for the doctors and stricter enforcement of security measures in hospitals.
As the strike enters its second day, patients and their families are bearing the brunt of the disruptions. Several outpatient services have been suspended, and elective surgeries postponed, leaving many in a state of distress. The state government has called for an emergency meeting with hospital authorities and representatives of the doctors’ union to address the crisis.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing issue of violence against healthcare professionals in India. Medical associations across the country have expressed solidarity with the striking doctors in Kolkata, urging the government to implement stricter laws to protect medical staff from such attacks.
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