Junior doctors in Kolkata have recently issued a stark warning to the state government, stating that it will be held accountable if any of them fall ill during their ongoing hunger strike.
The protest, which aims to demand justice for a deceased woman medic from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, continues as they call for improved workplace safety.
The hunger strike began on Saturday night after the state government failed to meet the doctors’ 24-hour deadline to address their demands by 8:30 PM. This protest follows a sit-in demonstration that started at Dorina crossing in Dharmatala, prompted by an alleged assault by Kolkata Police personnel.
Senior doctors, who have been showing their support at the protest site since Saturday night, are now considering joining the hunger strike in solidarity with their junior colleagues.
As per the sources, one of the protesting doctors Debasish Halder stated that, “The support we are receiving gives us the strength and motivation to continue our protest against the brutal murder of our fellow doctor. It is encouraging to see that people have not forgotten that justice has yet to be served, and attacks on doctors continue, while the state government shows little regard for our demands.”
To ensure transparency, the protesting doctors have set up CCTV cameras at the protest site. Among the six doctors currently fasting are Snigdha Hazra, Tanaya Panja, and Anustup Mukhopadhyay from Kolkata Medical College and Hospital; Arnab Mukhopadhyay from SSKM Hospital; Pulastha Acharya from NRS Medical College and Hospital; and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra from KPC Medical College.
Large crowds of supporters, including local residents and celebrities, have gathered to express solidarity with the junior doctors.
Previously, the doctors called off a “total cease work” that had severely affected healthcare services at state-run medical colleges and hospitals, but their primary demand remains justice for the slain woman medic.
In addition to justice, the junior doctors have outlined several other demands. These include the removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam, accountability for alleged administrative failures and corruption within the state Health Department, and the establishment of a centralized referral system for hospitals and medical colleges.
They are also calling for the implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system and the creation of task forces to ensure essential facilities such as CCTV cameras, on-call rooms, and washrooms are provided at healthcare institutions.
Further demands include enhanced police protection at hospitals, the recruitment of permanent female police personnel, and the expedited filling of vacancies for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff.
The hunger strike and protests stem from deep-seated concerns following the rape and murder of a fellow medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, which led to a 42-days protest that concluded on September 21 after the state government promised to address their concerns.
