The horrific rape and murder of a female postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9th has sparked outrage and a fierce fight for justice within the medical community. In response to the tragedy, junior doctors in West Bengal have been on a hunger strike since October 5th, demanding improved safety measures and accountability for the perpetrators. The protest, which follows 50 days of cease-work in two phases, reflects the growing frustration and desperation among medical professionals.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has declared its solidarity with the protesting doctors by calling for a 12-hour nationwide hunger strike today. With the slogan “Suno Bengal, Suno Bharat” (Listen Bengal, Listen India), the IMA aims to amplify the demands of junior doctors and pressure the West Bengal government to take immediate action.
Three protesting doctors, including Aniket Mahato, who has been leading the protest, have been hospitalized due to their deteriorating health conditions. Despite the worsening health of the doctors, the West Bengal administration remains unmoved. The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has also issued a strong warning, threatening a nationwide shutdown of medical services if any harm is caused to the protesting doctors.
The IMA has previously sent a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, urging her to address the doctors’ demands and ensure a safe working environment for the medical fraternity. They emphasize that security is not a luxury but a prerequisite for doctors to perform their duties effectively.
As of yesterday, October 14th, seven junior doctors remain on hunger strike, several of whom require immediate medical attention. Pulastha Acharya, a junior doctor from NRS Medical College and Hospital, was admitted to the facility’s Critical Care Unit on Sunday night due to severe stomach pain. The nationwide hunger strike today marks a significant escalation in the protest, showcasing the gravity of the situation and the growing demand for justice and accountability for the tragic death of the young doctor.