Fri Sep 13 15:47:57 UTC 2024: ## West Bengal Govt. Offers Compensation to Families of Victims Affected by Doctors’ Strike
**Kolkata, August 18:** In a move to address the ongoing crisis stemming from the junior doctors’ strike, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of 29 people who have died, reportedly due to the disruption in healthcare services.
The strike began on August 9th after the body of a postgraduate trainee doctor was found in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, with evidence pointing to a brutal rape and murder. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and prompted calls for justice.
“It is sad and unfortunate that we have lost 29 precious lives due to disruption in health services because of the long drawn cease work by junior doctors,” Banerjee wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “To extend a helping hand to the bereaved families, the state government announces a token financial relief of Rs. 2 lakh to family members of each deceased person,” she added.
Junior doctors, meanwhile, continue their protest demanding swift action and justice in the rape-murder case. They have sent a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Union Health Minister JP Nadda, seeking their intervention.
The doctors’ letter highlights the fear and distrust pervading the medical community and urges for a safe working environment. They express a desire to return to providing healthcare services but remain apprehensive due to the current circumstances.
In an attempt to end the crisis, Chief Minister Banerjee had previously offered to resign if it would help secure justice for the victim and ensure the resumption of medical services.
First Piper 