Junior doctors at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) in West Bengal have launched an indefinite strike, demanding the withdrawal of suspension orders issued against six of their colleagues by the state government. This action follows the alleged administering of expired Ringer’s Lactate saline at the hospital last week that resulted in the death of a pregnant woman and the critical condition of three others.

Twelve doctors, including six postgraduate trainees (PGTs), were suspended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In response, 22 junior doctors in the Gynecology and Anesthesia departments initiated a cease-work on Thursday night in the maternity department of the hospital.

While OPD and Emergency departments are running fine, sources said junior doctors of the medicine department are yet to join the cease-work. The striking doctors demand the withdrawal of suspension orders, alleging that they are being “scapegoated for systemic failures”. They are also urging for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.

In a letter to the college principal, the junior doctors expressed their deep dismay, stating that they were being “framed as enemies of the society” while striving to save lives. They alleged that the suspensions were an attempt to divert attention from “adverse drug reactions and multiple deficits and corruptions in the health system on the part of the administration.”

The state health department has filed a police complaint against the suspended doctors, and Dr Indranil Sen has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Medinipur Medical College. Sen took charge on Friday.