Junior Doctors in Kolkata Initiate Hunger Strike Demanding Justice for Colleague’s Murder

Junior doctors in Kolkata have initiated a hunger strike, demanding justice for a colleague who was raped and murdered in August. They accuse the West Bengal government of failing to improve hospital safety and are calling for urgent action on their nine demands, including the removal of the health secretary.

Kolkata's junior doctors have embarked on a hunger strike, calling for immediate action from the West Bengal government regarding safety protocols in hospitals following the tragic rape and murder of a fellow doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The 31-year-old victim was found dead in a seminar hall on August 9, prompting outrage within the medical community.

On October 5, junior doctors commenced a sit-in protest at Dorina Crossing, Dharmatala, demanding justice and improved safety measures. After a previous 42-day protest concluded on September 21, they set a 24-hour ultimatum for the government to address their concerns. When their demands went unacknowledged, six doctors escalated their protest to a fast unto death, maintaining that this action would persist until their requests were met.

The protesting doctors have criticized the government for neglecting their safety and wellbeing, alleging that the authorities have failed to implement promised measures. To ensure transparency during the protest, they have installed CCTV cameras at the site. While the doctors are on hunger strike, they continue to report for duty but refuse to consume food.

Amidst the protests, the junior doctors have outlined nine specific demands, including the removal of the state’s health secretary and the establishment of a centralized referral system across all medical institutions. They argue that adequate provisions such as CCTV coverage, on-call facilities, and sanitation must be ensured for their safety.

Also Read: West Bengal Junior Doctors Continue Sit-in, Await Govt Action on Demands

The investigation into the tragic incident is currently under the jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and calls for accountability from the state government continue to grow.