Protesters rally in support of junior doctors on hunger strike, demanding justice following the alleged rape and murder of a female medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, Saturday (October 12, 2024).
As junior doctors enter the ninth day of their hunger strike, public support at the protest site surged on Sunday (October 13, 2024), coinciding with the conclusion of the Durga Puja festivities in West Bengal.
Three doctors have been hospitalized due to health complications linked to their fast, including Anustup Mukherjee, who fell ill late Saturday. Aniket Mahato and Alok Verma also required medical attention as their conditions worsened during the protest.
The hunger strike commenced on October 5, in response to safety concerns following the tragic incident involving the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor. In solidarity, other physicians and citizens organized additional fasting demonstrations across Kolkata and its districts.
The Federation of All India Medical Association announced on Sunday (October 13, 2024) a nationwide shutdown of elective services at hospitals starting Monday (October 14, 2024), further amplifying support for the protesting doctors. This coordinated strike is anticipated to disrupt services at private health facilities.
In light of the escalating situation, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant has scheduled a meeting for Monday with representatives from various medical bodies. An invitation was extended via email to twelve associations urging participation.
Additionally, the Chief Secretary requested the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front to reconsider their planned ‘Droher Carnival’ protest set for October 15, which coincides with official immersion festivities involving multiple large Durga Pujas, located near the protest site.
The Calcutta High Court recently ordered that no protests be conducted during the immersion carnival. Meanwhile, West Bengal BJP leaders have voiced their support for the junior doctors’ demands, urging party members to join the protests enthusiastically.
“The West Bengal BJP stands firmly with the junior doctors in their fight against the Mamata Banerjee government. The demands for justice and safety following the horrific incident at RG Kar Medical College are legitimate and must be addressed,” the statement declared.
In a notable response, numerous influential citizens have reached out to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, advocating for urgent dialogue to address junior doctors’ grievances and facilitate a resolution.
An open letter signed by approximately 30 prominent figures from the arts and social activism sectors urged junior doctors to pause their strike, asserting that their concerns are valid and promising to work towards ensuring that their voices are heard by the government.
“We commit to increased vigilance in advocating for your concerns and implore the State government to recognize these issues, while encouraging the medics to trust in civil society’s commitment to aid in this matter,” the letter stated.
Published – October 13, 2024 10:49 pm IST
