More than 200 contractual workers at Asansol ESI Hospital face transfer and retrenchment, protest sparks tension

Nirbhik Bangla, Shyam Das, Asansol: A intense protest erupted in the Asansol ESI Hospital premises on Monday over the transfer and job loss fears of more than 200 contract-based doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. The protesters alleged that the hospital authorities have issued notices directing them to transfer or leave their current workplace. As soon as the news spread, contract-based doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers gathered in front of the hospital to protest. They told the media that they were optimistic about their future when the plan to upgrade the Asansol ESI Hospital to a medical college was announced. However, they are now deeply concerned as the transfer or job termination process has suddenly begun. The protesters claimed that this decision has made their career security uncertain and demanded that it be withdrawn immediately, calling it an unfair move against them. The protesting workers clearly stated that their agitation will continue until their demands are met. More than 200 contract-based doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers participated in the protest. Although the incident created a tense atmosphere in the hospital premises, no official response was received from the hospital authorities until the time of filing this report.