In Kolkata, junior doctors are steadfast in their hunger strike, demanding justice for a 31-year-old colleague allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Their indefinite fast, which began on October 5, is aimed at compelling the West Bengal government to take concrete measures to ensure the safety and security of medical professionals.
The protest, led by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, has gained significant attention as doctors express frustration over the handling of the case and the overall safety conditions within medical institutions. Dr. Aqeeb, a representative of the striking doctors, stated, “None can prove that our demands are wrong,” underscoring their commitment to the cause.
During their demonstration at Dharmatala, the junior doctors alleged that the Kolkata police denied them permission to set up a dais for their protest and even resorted to lathi-charging peaceful protesters. The doctors have stated that their primary demand remains justice for the victim, along with various reforms in the medical system, including a more active role for students in decision-making committees within medical colleges.
“The role of the CBI in the RG Kar case is very lax. We want justice to be served in this case as soon as possible,” Dr. Aqeeb added. He emphasized that the students should elect representatives to committees formed for their welfare to facilitate health reforms benefiting all.
The six doctors currently participating in the hunger strike include Snigdha Hazra, Tanaya Panja, Anustup Mukhopadhyay, Arnab Mukhopadhyay, Pulastha Acharya, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra. Their demands list nine points, with the removal of health secretary NS Nigam being particularly contentious. Additional requests include the establishment of a centralized referral system for all hospitals and medical colleges, a bed vacancy monitoring system, and the formation of task forces to ensure essential provisions like CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms are available at their workplaces.
The junior doctors have warned that if anything happens to them during this protest, the Trinamool Congress-led government should be held accountable. The protest continues to draw public attention as they seek to raise awareness about the urgent need for reforms in the healthcare system and justice for their fallen colleague.
Sources By Agencies
