The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide hunger strike on October 15 in solidarity with junior doctors in West Bengal, who are protesting through a fast-unto-death over the rape and murder of a colleague at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. The protest has gained widespread support as the condition of the fasting doctors worsens, with former students and medical associations joining the movement.
The IMA’s Junior Doctors’ Network (JDN) will lead the hunger strike, coordinating with Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) across the country. In a statement, the IMA urged doctors nationwide to support the protest and called on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to address the doctors’ demands.
As the protest entered its ninth day, three of the junior doctors were hospitalized due to their deteriorating health, yet the state administration remains unresponsive. In a show of solidarity, former R G Kar students attempted a symbolic 12-hour fast at the hospital, but they were met with resistance from CISF personnel.
The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has warned that if any harm comes to the protesting doctors, it could lead to a nationwide shutdown of medical services.