Junior doctors in Kolkata have initiated a hunger strike as they express dissatisfaction with the West Bengal government’s response to their demands for justice following the rape and murder of a fellow doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
The protest commenced on Saturday evening, with the medics accusing the government of failing to enhance security measures within hospitals. On Friday, they held a sit-in protest at Dorina Crossing in Dharmatala, setting a 24-hour deadline for the state government to address their grievances. They had previously suspended a 42-day agitation on September 21 after negotiations with officials.
A representative from the group stated, “The state government has missed the deadline, prompting us to start a hunger strike that will continue until our demands are met. To ensure transparency, we’ve installed CCTV cameras at the protest site where our colleagues are fasting.” The doctors confirmed they are resuming their duties but will abstain from food. Six individuals have committed to the hunger strike, and they warned that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government would be held accountable for any adverse events affecting the doctors.
The six doctors participating in the hunger strike include Snigdha Hazra, Tanaya Panja, and Anustup Mukhopadhyay from Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, Arnab Mukhopadhyay from SSKM Hospital, Pulastha Acharya from NRS Medical College and Hospital, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra from KPC Medical College.
The protesting doctors alleged that police denied them permission to set up a protest dais and used force against peaceful demonstrators. In response, Kolkata police cited heavy traffic in the area and urged the filing of complaints against any officers involved in the alleged police action.
Among their nine demands, the most controversial is the removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam. Other requests include establishing a centralized referral system for hospitals and medical colleges, implementing a bed vacancy monitoring system, and forming task forces to ensure essential facilities such as CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms are available at medical facilities.
The investigation into the murder case is currently being handled by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).