Junior doctors in Kolkata have launched a hunger strike, demanding better hospital security, 24-hour protection for healthcare workers, and an investigation into alleged corruption. This action follows violent incidents and perceived insufficient safety measures. The protesters emphasize the “culture of fear and intimidation” in state-run hospitals, accusing the administration of failing to ensure a safe working environment. They have vowed to continue protesting until their demands are met.
Despite initially calling off their “total cease work” on Friday, the doctors gave a 24-hour ultimatum to the West Bengal government to fulfill their demands. With no progress by the deadline, they resumed their protest with a hunger strike on Saturday. “We have installed CCTV cameras at the dais for transparency as our colleagues hold the fast,” a junior doctor informed PTI.
The protest was originally triggered by the August 9 rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. Junior doctors also cited an attack on colleagues at Sagore Dutta Medical College as further motivation for their protest, demanding changes in hospital security and patient care services.
Among their demands is the installation of CCTV cameras in hospital premises, removal of the health secretary, investigations into corruption at the West Bengal Medical Council and Health Recruitment Board, and holding student council elections in medical colleges.
The Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front said they will continue the hunger strike until they see concrete action from the government to address their concerns. They stressed that until then, they remain committed to their cause while fulfilling their duties.
