RG Kar Protest: 'No Message From Mamata Banerjee Government' As Hunger Strike Of Kolkata Junior Doctors Enters Third Day

The hunger strike of six junior doctors demanding justice for the rape and murder of a female colleague from RG Kar Hospital entered the third day on Monday (7 October).

Protesting junior doctors in West Bengal are demanding improved workplace safety measures. Despite their ongoing protest, the state government has yet to respond to their concerns.

The hunger strike began on Saturday evening, with an additional participant joining later. One of the fasting doctors said that they will continue this until all our demands are met.

"Our fast-unto-death protest is on. We have not received any message from the state government. No external pressure will be able to move us from our path of protest seeking justice for our deceased sister," Aniket Mahato said.

Mahato from RG Kar Hospital joined Snigdha Hazra, Tanaya Panja, and Anustup Mukhopadhyay from Kolkata Medical College, Arnab Mukhopadhyay from SSKM Hospital, Pulastha Acharya from NRS Medical College, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra from KPC Medical College in the hunger strike protest.

The junior doctors also accused the Kolkata Police of non-cooperation, claiming they were denied permission to set up bio-toilets at the protest site at Dorina Crossing in Dharmatala. To ensure transparency, they installed CCTV cameras at the location where the strike is being held.

A large number of supporters, including several celebrities, gathered at the site to show solidarity with the protesting doctors.

Last Friday, the junior doctors ended their 'total cease work,' which had severely disrupted healthcare services across state-run hospitals and medical colleges. Despite this, they remain focused on seeking justice for the woman medic who was raped and murdered.

Their demands include the immediate removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam, accountability for administrative failings, and action against corruption in the department.

They are also calling for a centralised referral system for all hospitals and medical colleges, the implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system, and the formation of task forces to ensure adequate provisions such as CCTV cameras, on-call rooms, and washrooms at workplaces.

Additionally, the protesting doctors are seeking enhanced security in hospitals, the recruitment of permanent female police personnel, and the prompt filling of vacancies for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.