GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 15th Oct. The indefinite hunger strike by junior doctors in West Bengal, sparked by the RG Kar Hospital incident, reached its 11th day on Tuesday as discussions with the state government failed to yield results. The strike began on October 5, following the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
Despite a crucial meeting between representatives from 12 doctors’ associations and Chief Secretary Manoj Pant at Swasthya Bhavan, no resolution was reached. As tensions escalated, two more doctors fell ill during the protest in Kolkata’s Esplanade area.
Seven junior doctors remain on the hunger strike, with some requiring urgent medical care. Notably, Pulastha Acharya from NRS Medical College was admitted to the Critical Care Unit after severe stomach pain, while Tanaya Panja from Kolkata Medical College lost consciousness and was also hospitalized.
The government acknowledged that while seven of the ten demands raised by the junior doctors had been addressed, three remained under administrative review. Pant stated that the doctors were seeking specific timelines for these remaining demands, which he explained could not be provided at this stage.
In light of the unresolved issues, the Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD) planned a “Droher Carnival” demonstration for October 15 to show solidarity with the junior doctors. However, the government urged them to reconsider, citing concerns over its timing with the annual ‘Durga Puja Carnival.’
Key demands from the junior doctors include justice for the RG Kar victim, the removal of Health Secretary N S Nigam, enhanced workplace security, and improvements in hospital infrastructure. They are also calling for a prompt and transparent CBI investigation into the alleged incident.
On Monday evening, agitating junior doctors held a rally to Raj Bhawan, submitting a memorandum to the governor’s secretary demanding immediate action.
