NEW DELHI: Following the Supreme Court’s directive for junior doctors to return to their duties or face consequences, the Bengal chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) expressed its disappointment regarding both the court’s proceedings and the involvement of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). In an official statement, they emphasized that their protests would persist and vowed to exhaust all avenues in pursuit of justice.
“We were particularly disheartened by the Supreme Court’s order mandating junior doctors—who are at the forefront of this protest—to resume work by 5 PM tomorrow,” stated a representative from IMA Bengal.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court instructed CBI to provide an updated report on its investigation by September 16. Additionally, it directed state authorities to ensure adequate facilities for CISF personnel stationed at RG Kar Hospital for security purposes.
In their statement, IMA Bengal raised concerns about a lack of progress in expediting legal proceedings and delivering justice for victims. “It is shocking how junior doctors have been depicted as accountable for certain fatalities within hospitals,” they remarked. They clarified that no hospital services have been entirely disrupted due to these protests.
The association highlighted that junior doctors are advocating not only for swift and fair justice concerning Abhaya (a pseudonym used for a victim) but also against systemic corruption within healthcare practices. “Our colleagues are fighting against injustices so such crimes do not recur,” read their statement.
Furthermore, IMA criticized CBI’s perceived lack of urgency in ensuring timely justice while also condemning state government actions—or lack thereof—against corrupt practices within healthcare systems. The association reaffirmed its unwavering support for junior doctors’ demonstrations: “The IMA guarantees both medical professionals and citizens that our movement will maintain its momentum. In fact, we anticipate it will intensify as we strive relentlessly until justice is served.”
