Kolkata Doctor Case: ED Raids in RG Kar Corruption Case, Conducts Search Across Multiple Areas

The turmoil at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital, following the rape and murder of a junior doctor, shows no signs of abating. Despite over a month passing and efforts from the administration, including stern directives from Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, junior doctors have yet to resume their duties. The ongoing strike is causing significant distress for patients, who are left wandering in search of treatment. Many patients report worsening conditions due to the lack of medical attention.  Aarti, a 55-year-old with a respiratory condition, shared her frustration: "I have difficulty breathing, but I haven't received any treatment. The doctors are unhelpful and scold us when we ask questions. We come here to get better, but waiting for six hours only makes my condition worse. I understand their protest, but they must remember that patients also need care." Mohammad Asraf Hussain, a heart patient, mentioned that he had to delay his treatment for a month due to the strike, and is still waiting for medical care. The shortage of doctors in government hospitals due to the strike is affecting around 500,000 patients daily. West Bengal has 300 government hospitals and 26 medical colleges, with 95,000 full-time doctors. The state government reported that 23 lives have already been lost due to the lack of treatment caused by the junior doctors' strike. On September 11, the Health Department invited doctors to a meeting at the state headquarters, Nabanna, via email. However, junior doctors refused to attend unless their conditions were met: a meeting with 30 participants, live broadcasting of the session, and the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The chief secretary, Manoj Pant, called this demand "unfortunate."