Kolkata's Anti-Jr Doctors Association formed to counter Jr Doctors Forum amid threat culture allegations

The newly formed Anti-Junior Doctors Association has emerged as a significant counterforce to the established Junior Doctors Forum in Kolkata's medical community. This formation comes on the heels of a series of protests led by the Junior Doctors Forum, which highlighted critical issues such as workplace safety, inadequate resources, and allegations of a pervasive "threat culture" within medical institutions. Following a prolonged hunger strike and negotiations with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Nabanna, the protests concluded, yet the tensions within the junior doctor community have escalated, prompting the creation of this new association.

Founded by junior doctors Shreesh Maity and Pranay Maity, the Anti-Junior Doctors Association is positioning itself as an alternative voice for junior doctors who feel disillusioned with the current leadership of the Junior Doctors Forum. The founders allege that the forum has deviated from its primary mission, claiming it has been co-opted by political interests that distract from the pressing concerns of junior doctors. They emphasize that their objective is to refocus the conversation on genuine issues affecting junior doctors, such as mental health support and fair treatment within hospitals.

To formally present their agenda, the Anti-Junior Doctors Association has scheduled a press conference where they intend to outline their vision for improving conditions for junior doctors. They plan to discuss specific policy changes aimed at enhancing workplace environments, including better access to mental health resources, addressing staff shortages, and ensuring adequate safety protocols in hospitals. The founders believe that uniting against the politicization of the medical community will enable more effective advocacy for the rights and welfare of junior doctors.

A notable aspect of this ongoing conflict is the controversy surrounding the anti-ragging committee at RG Kar Medical College, which has faced accusations of bias and unfairness in its investigations. Allegations indicate that under former principal Sandip Ghosh, the committee was biased in its handling of complaints, often favoring certain individuals while dismissing or downplaying others. This situation has led to calls for reform and accountability within the committee, with members of both factions demanding transparent processes to ensure fairness in handling allegations against students and staff.