Mamata Banerjee Reshuffles Health Department Amid Junior Doctors' Protests

Dr Kaustav Nayak was named the new director of the Institute of Health and Family Welfare, while Dr Swapan Soren was appointed as the DHS director.

The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has made significant appointments in the Health and Family Welfare Department.

On Tuesday, Dr Kaustav Nayak was named the new Director of the Institute of Health and Family Welfare, while Dr Swapan Soren has been appointed as the Director of Health Services (DHS) in charge.

Additionally, Debashis Halder will serve as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for Public Health, and Suparna Dutta will assume the role of OSD for Medical Education at Swasthya Bhawan.

These key reshuffles come as the state faces a growing protest by junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College.

On Monday evening, a pivotal meeting took place between CM Mamata Banerjee and the protesting doctors at her Kalighat residence.

The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, was followed by an additional two-and-a-half-hour discussion to finalize the minutes.

A delegation of 35 junior doctors arrived at Banerjee's residence around 6:20 p.m., with talks commencing at 6:50 p.m. The meeting concluded by 9 p.m., but the doctors left only around 11:30 p.m. after submitting a memorandum of their demands.

The protest at RG Kar Medical College has intensified over the past week, with junior doctors demanding improved working conditions, enhanced security, and resolution of staffing shortages.

In August, the Supreme Court of India constituted a National Task Force (NTF) to tackle issues related to the safety and dignity of healthcare workers, particularly in the wake of the recent rape and murder of a resident doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

This decision was made by a Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, alongside Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, in a suo motu case initiated in response to the tragic incident.

The NTF has been tasked with evaluating and recommending measures to prevent gender-based violence and improve the working environment for healthcare staff.

Key areas of focus will include enhanced security measures in emergency rooms, baggage screening, crowd management, the installation of biometrics and CCTV systems, and provisions for restrooms and transport for medical personnel.