Siliguri, 15th October: The ongoing hunger strike by junior doctors at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) has led to a crisis in the hospital, with no doctors available in multiple departments. Patients, especially those who traveled from far-off areas seeking medical help, have been left frustrated and angered by the lack of services.
Tensions peaked on Tuesday when a group of patients and their relatives allegedly vandalized the Superintendent’s office, escalating the situation further. Three individuals were apprehended in connection to the incident.
Reportedly, the hunger strike by junior doctors, which has now stretched into several days, has disrupted medical services at NBMCH. The psychiatric department has reportedly been without any doctors for days, leaving patients who traveled from distant places like Islampur, Rajganj, and Jalpaiguri without access to treatment.
Despite arriving early and queuing since Tuesday morning, many patients were unable to get their names registered for appointments, leading to growing frustration. A protest erupted in front of the Superintendent’s office when no doctors were available to attend to patients.
According to reports, the situation quickly turned volatile as protesters allegedly vandalized the office and even assaulted security guards. This created an atmosphere of intense tension within the medical premises.
Upon receiving reports of the unrest, the Medical Outpost police intervened and apprehended three individuals in connection with the vandalism.