GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 16th Oct. Agitating junior doctors from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital persisted with their fast-unto-death for the 12th consecutive day on Wednesday, seeking justice for a deceased colleague and better workplace security measures.
Sourav Dutta, a doctor from North Bengal Medical College and Hospital who began fasting on October 5, was hospitalized on Tuesday evening and is receiving treatment in the CCU in Jalpaiguri. Spandan Chowdhury and Rumelika Kumar joined the hunger strike on Tuesday, intensifying the protest.
Reflecting on Tuesday’s ‘Droher Carnival,’ the protesting doctors claimed that the event was successful in drawing support from various segments of society. “Yesterday, the world saw how people are keen on getting justice. We are happy to see so many people, especially the common man, supporting this noble cause,” said Debashish Halder, one of the protest leaders, adding that their resolve to fight on has been strengthened.
The doctors expressed determination to intensify their protest. Halder emphasized their readiness to continue despite deteriorating health conditions, saying, “We are ready to give life for our colleagues.”
Their demands include justice for the woman doctor from RG Kar Medical College, the removal of state Health Secretary NS Nigam, and a centralized referral system for all state hospitals. They are also calling for a bed vacancy monitoring system, task forces for essential facilities like CCTV, on-call rooms, washrooms, and increased police presence, particularly women personnel, at hospitals. Additionally, they seek the prompt filling of vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff.
The junior doctors had initially gone on a ‘cease-work’ on August 9 after the rape and murder of their colleague at RG Kar Medical College. They ended their strike after 42 days on September 21, following state government assurances to address their concerns.
