Uluberia doctors hold pen-down strike after assault on female colleague
The Statesman | 25 October 2025In protest, senior resident doctors observed a five-hour “pen-down” strike, suspending all non-emergency services from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Around 70 to 80 junior and senior resident doctors joined the agitation, demanding stricter security measures and exemplary punishment for the accused. While emergency services continued under the supervision of senior doctors and interns, routine operations and outdoor patient services were affected during the demonstration.
The agitating doctors have submitted an 11-point charter of demands, which includes the immediate dismissal of the accused temporary home guard, enhanced security deployment within the hospital premises, and installation of panic buttons in wards. They also sought restrictions on public entry, allowing only one attendant per patient, as well as mandatory photo identity cards for all staff. Speaking to reporters, Dr Subir Majumdar, officer-in-charge (medical superintendent and vice principal) of Uluberia Hospital, said, “We are satisfied with the progress of the police investigation. Necessary steps are being taken to strengthen hospital security.” He confirmed that discussions were underway with local police authorities to increase the number of personnel stationed at the hospital outpost.
Meanwhile, the police custody of the three accused, including traffic home guard Sheikh Babulal, who was suspended following the incident, ended on Friday. The trio was to be produced before the court later in the day. Police sources said that all three had been arrested earlier this week based on the junior doctor’s complaint, which detailed the assault and verbal threats she faced inside the hospital.
The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of medical professionals in state-run hospitals. Junior doctors across several institutions in South Bengal expressed solidarity with their Uluberia counterparts, warning of intensified agitation if their safety demands were not addressed. As the investigation continues, hospital authorities and police have assured that stringent action will be taken to prevent any recurrence of such incidents that jeopardise the safety and morale of healthcare workers.
