RG Kar protest: Fast-unto-death strike by junior doctors enters day 13

Kolkata: The hunger strike by a group of doctors in Kolkata, protesting the rape and murder of a junior doctor from R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, has entered its thirteenth day. The strike, which began on October 5, has seen eight medicos participating - seven in Kolkata and one in Siliguri, posing a significant challenge to the state government.

As of now, six junior doctors who initially joined the hunger strike have been hospitalised due to serious health issues. The affected doctors include Tanaya Panja and Anustup Mukhopadhyay from Calcutta Medical College & Hospital, Aniket Mahatao from R.G. Kar Medical College, Pulastya Acharya from N.R.S. Medical College, Aloke Verma from North Bengal Medical College, and Souvik Banerjee from North Bengal Dental College & Hospital.

Three of the hunger strikers at Esplanade - Arnab Mukhopadhyay, Snigdha Hazra, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra - were among the first to start the protest on October 5. The group has maintained a high level of transparency throughout the strike, allowing public access to CCTV footage and providing hourly updates on their health conditions displayed on a chart at their protest site. They are surviving solely on water during this period.

Recent reports indicate that the health of five of the seven protesters at Esplanade has worsened significantly. Alarmingly, ketone bodies have been found in the urine of these doctors, a sign that their bodies are breaking down fat for energy instead of glucose. While small amounts of ketones can be normal, high levels may indicate ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

The ongoing protest reflects the deep concern and frustration among the medical community over safety issues and the need for justice in the wake of the tragic incident involving their colleague.

Agency