A junior doctor participating in the fast-unto-death protest since October 5 was hospitalised on Sunday night after his health deteriorated, officials confirmed.
Pulastha Acharya, a junior doctor at NRS Medical College and Hospital, was rushed to the emergency ward following complaints of severe stomach pain, a representative from the hospital stated.
"His condition worsened, and he is now in the Critical Care Unit. A medical board has been constituted to ensure proper treatment," said a senior doctor from NRS Medical College and Hospital.
Acharya is the fourth doctor to be hospitalised since the hunger strike began. Earlier, Aniket Mahato from RG Kar Medical College, Anustup Majumdar of Kolkata Medical College, and Alok Verma of North Bengal Medical College required medical attention due to declining health.
The protest, initiated by 11 junior doctors, began after the brutal rape and murder of a female colleague from RG Kar Medical College in August. Their demands, however, have extended beyond seeking justice for the medic, as they also call for better security measures in hospitals and the immediate removal of West Bengal Health Secretary NS Nigam.
The protesters are pushing for several systemic changes in healthcare, including the implementation of a centralised hospital referral system, bed vacancy monitoring, and the establishment of task forces to ensure facilities like on-call rooms, CCTV surveillance, and washrooms are provided.
Additionally, they demand increased police protection within hospital premises, permanent recruitment of female police personnel, and the expedited hiring of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.
The protest started following the rape and murder of a junior doctor on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College. Although the doctors ended their initial protest after 42 days on September 21, following assurances from the state government, the current hunger strike was triggered by perceived inaction.
Despite the ongoing health crisis faced by several doctors, the group shows no sign of backing down from its demands, which they say are critical for the safety and well-being of all healthcare professionals in West Bengal.
With no clear resolution in sight, the impasse continues, further straining relations between the protesting doctors and the state government.
Follow us
