New attack on hospital staffers forces West Bengal doctors and nurses to resume 'cease work' protest

Junior doctors and nurses at the state-run Sagar Dutta Hospital in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district continued their 'cease work' protest on Saturday, following an assault by the relatives of a deceased patient. The agitation began late on Friday after several staff members were allegedly attacked by the patient's family after her death during treatment.

The incident left three junior doctors, three nurses and other healthcare workers injured. In response, the medical staff called for the strike, demanding improved security at the hospital.

The patient, a middle-aged woman, was admitted with severe breathing problems. "She was in critical condition and despite efforts to administer oxygen, she passed away," said a nurse. However, the patient’s family claimed she did not receive adequate medical attention.

Despite the presence of police, around 15-20 relatives of the patient stormed the female medicine ward and attacked the staff. "We’ve repeatedly asked for better security in the outpatient department and wards, but nothing has changed. This incident shows that the state administration is ignoring our safety concerns. We will continue the strike until our demands are met," a junior doctor stated.

A senior official from the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate confirmed that a complaint has been lodged at Kamarhati Police Station and that an investigation is ongoing. Security measures at the hospital have since been tightened, with increased police presence at the hospital’s main gate.

Aniket Mahato, a member of the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum, echoed concerns over staff safety, warning that without proactive government action, such attacks would likely persist.

(With inputs from agencies)