GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 7th Oct. Junior doctors in West Bengal are now on the third consecutive day of their fast-unto-death protest, demanding justice for the rape and murder of a fellow medic from RG Kar hospital and improved workplace safety. Despite the escalating situation, the state government has yet to respond to their demands.
Initially, six junior doctors commenced their fast on Saturday evening, with another joining on Monday. Aniket Mahato, one of the protestors, stated, “Our fast-unto-death protest is on. We have not received any message from the state government. We will continue this until all our demands are met. No external pressure will be able to move us from our path of protest seeking justice for our deceased sister… It’s now or never.”
The protesting medics, including members from Kolkata medical college, SSKM hospital, and KPC medical college, have also reported non-cooperation from the Kolkata Police, who allegedly denied them the installation of bio-toilets at their protest site at Dorina Crossing in Dharmatala.
To ensure transparency, the junior doctors have set up CCTV cameras at the protest site. A significant number of supporters, including celebrities, have gathered to show solidarity with the agitating doctors.
The junior doctors had previously called off a ‘total cease work’ that had severely impacted healthcare services at state-run medical colleges and hospitals. Their primary focus remains securing justice for their deceased colleague, along with several other demands. These include the removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam, accountability for alleged administrative failures, and a centralized referral system for hospitals.
Additional demands encompass the establishment of a bed vacancy monitoring system, the formation of task forces for essential workplace provisions, increased police protection in hospitals, and timely recruitment of healthcare staff.
The protests were initially sparked by the tragic incident involving a fellow medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, leading to a 42-day cease work that concluded on September 21 after the state government assured the doctors it would consider their demands.
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