Junior doctors in West Bengal have embarked on an indefinite hunger strike, intensifying their protest against the Mamata Banerjee-led state government. The protest is driven by demands for justice on humanitarian grounds, following the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Protest to Continue Until Demands Are Met
The doctors, represented by six members of the West Bengal Junior Doctor’s Front, have vowed to continue their strike until the government meets their demands. Dr. Sayantani, one of the protest leaders, stated, “Till the time our demands of justice on humanitarian grounds are not fulfilled, we will sit here.” She highlighted the importance of preventing further incidents like the one involving the victim, Abhaya, emphasizing, “This is not a fight against the public, this fight is by and for the public.”
Concerns Over Safety and Security in Hospitals
The protest stems from the lack of action by the state government in addressing safety and security concerns in hospitals. Junior doctors have repeatedly voiced concerns about inadequate security, particularly following the August 9 incident. Dr. Parichay Panda, another protesting doctor, stated, “Our demand is simple. We’ve given the government time to improve the safety and security of hospitals. However, the government has failed to do so.”
Earlier, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, requested a report from the National Task Force regarding safety measures in hospitals. This followed the court’s suo motu petition addressing the August 9 rape and murder case. The court had previously constituted the National Task Force to examine safety concerns and develop an action plan to prevent gender-based violence in medical institutions.
Protests have erupted across West Bengal in solidarity with the junior doctors. Medical students, interns, and doctors from institutions such as North Bengal Medical College and private hospitals have organized marches and vigils to demand justice. Doctors from private hospitals also lit earthen lamps at Ganga Ghat in Kolkata to mark their protest.
Despite the hunger strike, doctors have emphasized that their colleagues will continue to provide essential medical services during the Navratri festival, ensuring minimal disruption to public health services.