Junior doctors in West Bengal have launched an indefinite hunger strike, asserting that their protest will continue until their demands are met, stating that “no one can prove our demands are wrong.” The protest, organized by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, began on October 5 in Kolkata, with doctors refusing to resume work until the state government addresses their long-pending issues, including justice for the RG Kar rape and murder case.
The protest is taking place at Dharmatala, with junior doctors demanding swift action in the investigation of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Dr. Aqeeb, one of the doctors on strike, said that the role of the CBI in handling the case has been “lax” and called for justice to be served as soon as possible. The doctors are also pushing for reforms in medical colleges, including student representation in welfare committees through elected representatives.
Six junior doctors have committed to the hunger strike, with Dr. Aqeeb noting that it will continue for an indefinite period. The protesters have accused the authorities of obstructing their efforts, alleging that police have used intimidation tactics, blocked essential supplies, and even assaulted a doctor on the first day of the strike.
The junior doctors had given the state government a 24-hour ultimatum on October 5, threatening to begin the hunger strike if their demands were not met. Among their demands are the removal of the health secretary and increased police protection in hospitals. The six doctors currently on hunger strike include Snigdha Hazra, Tanaya Panja, and Anustup Mukhopadhyay from Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, Arnab Mukhopadhyay from SSKM Hospital, Pulastha Acharya from NRS Medical College and Hospital, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra from KPC Medical College.
