The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has addressed a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, urging her to pay immediate attention to the ongoing hunger strike by junior doctors protesting the recent rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The hunger strike, which has been ongoing for nearly a week, underscores the dire need for security and peaceful working conditions in medical institutions across the state.
In the letter, the IMA emphasized that peaceful working environments and adequate security measures are essential, stating, “Peaceful ambience and security are not a luxury. They are a prerequisite.” The association expressed its support for the junior doctors’ demands and highlighted the West Bengal government’s capability to meet these requests. The letter concluded with an appeal for the Chief Minister to engage with the young doctors to resolve the issues at hand.
The hunger strike has taken a toll on the participants, with one of the doctors, Aniket Mahato, requiring hospitalization due to deteriorating health. He was admitted to RG Kar Hospital’s intensive care unit after his health parameters showed signs of serious concern. Senior doctor Subarna Goswami noted that Mahato’s condition had worsened, prompting immediate medical attention.
Aniket Mahato has been a prominent figure in the agitation, advocating for justice for the woman who was raped and murdered in the hospital on August 9. Following the tragedy, the police arrested Sanjay Roy, a suspect in the case. The junior doctors have been demanding justice and safer conditions in the aftermath of this incident, which has caused widespread unrest within the medical community.
As the situation escalates, a four-member medical team from the state health department visited the hunger strike site to monitor the health of the protesting doctors. Dr. Diptendra Sarkar, a member of the team, expressed concern for the strikers’ health, emphasizing the importance of hospitalization to prevent further deterioration.
The IMA’s letter and the ongoing hunger strike have sparked discussions about the safety of medical professionals in West Bengal, and the urgency for government intervention to address these pressing concerns. The entire medical fraternity in India is closely monitoring the developments, hoping for a swift resolution to the junior doctors’ plight.
Sources By Agencies