RG Kar protest: Junior doctors fast-unto-death strike enters day 12
Kolkata: Agitating junior doctors are on their hunger strike for the 12th consecutive day, seeking justice for a deceased colleague from Kar Medical College and Hospital, along with improved workplace safety.
Sourav Dutta from North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, who has been fasting since October 5, was hospitalised on Tuesday evening and is currently receiving treatment in the CCU at a hospital in Jalpaiguri. Two other doctors, Spandan Chowdhury and Rumelika Kumar, joined the hunger strike on Tuesday.
The doctors claimed that Tuesday's 'Droher Carnival' was a success, as it brought together people from various backgrounds to support their call for justice and safety. "Yesterday the world saw how people are keen on getting justice. We are happy to see that so many people especially common man are with us for this noble cause… this is giving us the zeal to keep on with our fight. We will make it stronger from now on to make the administration realise that we are not out of energy," said Debashish Halder, one of the agitating doctors.
They expressed a determination to intensify their protest efforts, noting that the health conditions of several other fasting doctors are also worsening. "We are keeping things ready to address the situation if anyone falls more sick. We are ready to give life for our colleagues," he added.
The junior doctors are demanding justice for their deceased colleague and the immediate removal of state Health Secretary N.S. Nigam. Their additional demands include establishing a centralised referral system for hospitals and medical colleges, implementing a bed vacancy monitoring system, and creating task forces to ensure essential facilities like CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms at their workplaces.
They are also calling for increased police protection in hospitals, the recruitment of permanent women police personnel, and the quick filling of vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff.
The hunger strike follows the tragic rape and murder of a fellow medic at Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The junior doctors had previously ended a 42-day strike on September 21 after receiving assurances from the state government to address their concerns.
Agency