Doctors continue their hunger strike amidst rainfall, demanding justice for the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata.
Junior doctors in Kolkata are intensifying their hunger strike, now in its fifth consecutive day, as they demand justice for the victim of a brutal rape and murder case at R.G. Kar Medical College. The strike, which began on October 5, 2024, highlights pressing concerns over workplace safety in medical institutions.
A group of junior doctors, including Snigdha Hazra, Tanaya Panja, Anustup Mukhopadhyay, Arnab Mukhopadhyay, Pulastha Acharya, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra, are leading the protest. They were later joined by Aniket Mahato from RG Kar Medical College, amplifying their calls for justice and improved safety measures.
Additionally, two junior doctors from Coochbehar Medical College have joined the protest in solidarity. Aniket Mahato expressed, “We will persist with this hunger strike as we pledged. Our protest is genuine, and we will not cease until our demands are met,” addressing the government’s dismissive remarks about their actions.
To further their message, the protesting doctors plan to distribute informational leaflets outlining their demands at various Durga Puja pandals throughout the city and will conduct a blood donation camp on October 9, 2024.
Dr. Punyabrata Gun of the West Bengal Joint Platform of Doctors emphasized ongoing support for the junior doctors, stating they are ready to resign to pressure the government into addressing their concerns.
Senior doctors have also shown their support, holding rallies to advocate for urgent action in the investigation of the crime. They plan to march from Karunamoyee More to the CBI’s office, demanding a swift inquiry.
The doctors initially called off their total work stoppage, which had severely disrupted healthcare services, after 42 days of protest, following assurances from the state government regarding their demands.
Critical demands from the protesters include the immediate removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam, accountability for administrative incompetence, and stringent measures against corruption within the health department. They also seek a centralized referral system for hospitals, improved monitoring of bed vacancies, and essential infrastructure like CCTV, on-call rooms, and sanitation facilities in healthcare settings.
Moreover, the doctors are calling for enhanced police protection in hospitals, permanent recruitment for women police personnel, and rapid hiring to fill vacancies among doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff.
The hunger strike follows the tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a fellow medic on August 9, which reignited longstanding concerns over the safety and treatment of medical professionals in the region.
Published – October 09, 2024 01:16 pm IST
