Indefinite strike by junior doctors in Kolkata enters third day

With the indefinite ceasework by junior doctors at the state-run premier SSKM hospital entering the third day and spreading to other hospitals, chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee today warned of action.

"If this continues then the government will have to take action," Bhattacharjee told doctors on indefinite ceasework demanding security after the assault on a colleague following the death of a patient in the emergency ward of the SSKM Hospital.

The ceasework has spread to the National Medical College and Hospital, another state-run hospital.

"The question of safety and security is definitely important and everybody has the right of safety and security, but that what is going on in the name of this is not correct," Bhattacharjee said.

"Just as doctors have a right to safety and security so do the patients," he said. 

Last night five junior doctors were arrested for allegedly assaulting relatives of patients who were denied admission in the emergency and casualty blocks at the SSKM Hospital, police said.

Cases have been registered under two non-bailable sections of the IPC against the junior doctors, they said. 

SSKM authorities have convened an emergency meeting to review the situation which has inconvenienced hundreds of patients.

The health secretary has also called an emergency meeting of heads of medical colleges in the metropolis to discuss measures on security of junior doctors and other staff.