Junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College, who have been demonstrating against the rape and murder of one of their own, have raised the ante by going on a hunger strike just on the eve of the Durga Puja, blaming the West Bengal government for not responding to their demands properly. The doctors started an indefinite hunger strike at Dorina Crossing in Dharmatala on October 4 but gave the state 24 hours to react. When the deadline was missed, doctors began their fast to death; initially, six doctors joined this action.
The protesters had earlier suspended a “total cease work” on October 4 that led to a halt of health care services in state-owned hospitals. But junior doctors said they are still on a hunger strike and will remain so until they get what they want.
Their main demands include justice for their colleague who died and sacking of health secretary NS Nigam. They are also urging changes in the state’s health care system, active a central referral system for hospitals, better control of empty bed spaces, improved physical features, and facilities such as closed circuit television coverage, and call rooms. Other emergent forces are raise in security, the engagement of permanent women police officers in the hospitals, and timely replacement of any medical officer’s post.
The strike by junior doctors concludes a 42-day “cease work” that was carried out after a rape and murder incident took place on August 9. They had earlier called off the strike after the government had offered to meet their demands but have gone back to their strike actions due to unfulfilled promises.
