Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 11 : The Chief Secretary of West Bengal, Manoj Pant, has sent an email to junior doctors outlining the government's status report on health care initiatives aimed at improving safety and security in medical colleges across the state.
However, Pant also urged the junior doctors on hunger strike to withdraw immediately, citing health concerns.
In his email, Pant wrote, "Apropos your (junior doctors) email dated 10.10.2024, a Status Report on various initiatives and interventions in the Health Care Services Delivery System in the State is attached for your perusal. In view of the health concerns of your colleagues on hunger strike and to ensure the smooth restoration of normalcy, it is again requested that you withdraw from the hunger strike immediately."
Pant has also sent the 'status report,' previously demanded by the junior doctors, on various initiatives and interventions in the Health Care Services Delivery System in the state inbox.
Key developments include the installation of 7,051 CCTV cameras, 893 new duty rooms, and 778 washrooms. Additionally, new lighting, alarm systems, and biometric access controls are being implemented. According to the official statement, the government has allocated over Rs 113 crores for these projects, with over 90 percent of the work nearing completion. However, the projects at RG Kar Medical College have been delayed due to recent approval from investigating authorities, with expected completion by October 15.
"All tasks have been prioritised, and over 90% of the sanctioned projects are nearing completion, except at RG Kar, where the necessary NOC from The investigating authorities was received it just two days ago. It is expected all ongoing projects will be completed by October 15, 2024", the statement read.
To promote stakeholder involvement, a Stakeholders Committee has been formed in every medical college and hospital. This committee includes Heads of Departments, senior and junior doctors, and nursing staff. They are encouraged to visit ongoing projects and provide feedback to ensure the sustainability of these assets.
In response to healthcare provider concerns, the state government has established a State-Level Grievance Redressal Committee. Healthcare stakeholders can report grievances via email at grievanceredressalcell.wbhealth@gmail.com or call the centralised Grievance Redressal Helpline at 1800-257-0511.
The Rogi Kalyan Samity (RKS) has also been restructured, with representatives from various departments and a public representative. Until nominations are finalised, the Principal and Medical Superintendent will manage RKS activities.
Further, the statement read that The government has also formed a Security Audit Committee led by former DGP Surajit Kar Purkayastha to assess security measures in medical colleges. A district-level committee has been established to review security procedures. Initial audits have been completed, and police are maintaining heightened vigilance.
To enhance safety for women, 1,113 female constables have been deployed, and police patrolling has increased. Additionally, 1,514 private security personnel, verified and trained by police, are now working in medical colleges.
Also, a real-time bed availability and central referral system is set to pilot in South 24 Parganas and Diamond Harbour on October 15, with plans for state-wide implementation by November 1, the statement added. The state government remains committed to filling current vacancies as quickly as possible.
On Thursday, the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front wrote a letter to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, expressing frustration over the government's silence on their concerns. They said, "As we expressed yesterday, we were disheartened by the fact that it took 96 hours of indefinite hunger strike for you to even call us for a meeting."
The doctors criticised the lack of responses to their previous emails and stated that the recent meeting offered no new information. They emphasised, "We reserve every right to formally know the progress of the works that are being done by the state," and requested a status report and security audit immediately.