Protests disrupt services at Darjeeling hospital, Superintendent's office vandalised, 3 arrested

Protests broke out at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) in Darjeeling on Tuesday morning as junior doctors went on a hunger strike. They are demanding justice for a young doctor who was tragically raped and murdered at RG Kar Hospital. This strike has led to significant disruptions in patient services, leaving many departments short-staffed.

The situation became critical as frustrated patients and their families faced long wait times, especially in the neurology and psychology departments, where no doctors were available to provide care. Reports indicate that essential medicines have not been provided for two days, making it difficult for psychiatric patients who depend on timely treatment. Angry relatives expressed their frustration, saying they had travelled long distances for medical help, only to find the hospital services in chaos.

Tensions escalated when protestors vandalised the hospital superintendent's office. Witnesses reported that relatives of patients became upset over the lack of medical attention and essential medicines. When security guards tried to manage the situation, a scuffle broke out, and one guard was assaulted by a relative of a patient. This led to panic among patients, many of whom were in urgent need of care.

In response to the growing unrest, local police were called to NBMCH. Officers helped restore order and arrested three people, including two women, involved in the vandalism and assault. The police have begun an investigation into the incident, raising concerns about safety and patient care at the hospital.

Hospital superintendent Sanjay Mallick spoke to the media about the crisis at NBMCH. He explained that the medical staff, including senior doctors, joined the strike organized by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in support of their colleagues. Mallick noted the overwhelming number of patients arriving at the hospital, many of whom come from far away seeking treatment. He expressed concern over the growing backlog of cases and the challenges caused by the ongoing strike.