In a powerful display of solidarity, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has announced a nationwide hunger strike on Wednesday. This action comes as a direct response to the ongoing protests over the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor in West Bengal. The strike, commencing two months after the tragic incident on August 9th, aims to amplify the voices of doctors who have been demanding better working conditions and enhanced safety protocols.
The decision to hold the hunger strike was made after extensive deliberation among FAIMA members, who are united in their support of the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front. Suvrankar Datta, FAIMA’s President, emphasized that the strike is a show of solidarity with their colleagues in West Bengal who have been on strike for weeks, seeking essential reforms.
The doctors’ association has called upon healthcare workers across the country to participate, highlighting the importance of unity among medical professionals in their fight for fairer treatment and improved conditions.
In a significant development, the CBI has filed a charge sheet against the prime accused, Sanjay Roy, in the rape and murder case of the trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The charge sheet, filed before a special court in Kolkata, alleges that Roy, a civic volunteer with the local police, committed the crime on August 9th when the victim was asleep in the hospital’s seminar room during a break. Notably, the agency has not mentioned gang rape, suggesting that Roy acted alone.
The tragic incident, which occurred on August 9th, led to widespread protests by resident doctors across the country who demanded better security for their colleagues. The body of the trainee doctor was found at 9.30 am by a colleague who went looking for her before starting ward rounds. The Tala police station was informed about the incident and reached the spot around 10.30 am.
The nationwide hunger strike is a powerful statement about the demands of medical professionals for a safer and more supportive environment. It is a call for action to address the systemic issues that continue to impact the well-being of doctors and healthcare workers.
