Mass resignation at RG Kar Hospital! 50 senior doctors stand in solidarity with colleagues | WATCH

Kolkata: In a surprising development, 50 senior doctors from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital submitted their resignations on Tuesday to show solidarity with junior doctors protesting against the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the hospital in August.

The senior doctors decided to resign after learning that the Kolkata Police had denied permission for a planned rally involving both senior and junior doctors, as well as nursing staff and health workers, scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm on the same day.

This mass resignation has created a dilemma for the hospital authorities and the state health department, as the absence of these senior doctors amid ongoing protests could lead to a breakdown of medical services, especially with the Durga Puja festivities approaching on Thursday.

Interestingly, just the day before, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant had urged the seven junior doctors on a hunger strike at Esplanade to end their protest and return to work.

Political analysts believe that the mass resignation reflects how the government's handling of the situation has only intensified the doctors' protest rather than quelled it.

At the time of this report, there were indications that senior doctors from other state-run medical colleges and hospitals might consider resigning as well, potentially escalating tensions for the state government.

Since Saturday evening, the junior doctors have engaged in a unique form of protest. Some are on a hunger strike, while others have returned to their medical duties after suspending their work stoppage. Initially, six junior doctors—three men and three women—began the hunger strike, and a seventh doctor joined them on Sunday evening.

Agency