The fast-unto-death by junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital entered its 12th day on Wednesday, as they continue to demand justice for a deceased colleague and improved workplace security.
The agitation has garnered widespread public support, following a ‘Droher Carnival’ held the previous day, which doctors claim united people from all walks of life to amplify their call for justice and safety.
Sourav Dutta, a junior doctor from North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, was admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) in Jalpaiguri on Tuesday evening, after being on hunger strike since October 5.
Meanwhile, two more doctors, Spandan Chowdhury and Rumelika Kumar, joined the hunger strike the same day.
Debashish Halder, one of the protesting doctors, highlighted the growing momentum of their movement.
"Yesterday, the world saw how people are keen on getting justice. We are happy to see that so many people, especially the common man, are with us for this noble cause. This is giving us the zeal to keep on with our fight. We will make it stronger from now on to make the administration realise that we are not out of energy," he said.
As the hunger strike continues, the health of the other fasting doctors is deteriorating. "We are keeping things ready to address the situation if anyone falls more sick. We are ready to give life for our colleagues," Halder added.
The junior doctors began their protest following the alleged rape and murder of a female colleague at RG Kar Medical College on August 9. They initially staged a ‘cease-work’ strike for 42 days, which ended on September 21 after the West Bengal government promised to address their demands.
Their primary demand remains justice for their deceased colleague, along with the removal of state Health Secretary NS Nigam.
They are also seeking reforms in the state’s healthcare system, including a centralised referral system for hospitals and medical colleges, a bed vacancy monitoring system, and task forces to ensure essential provisions such as CCTV, on-call rooms, and adequate washrooms at hospitals.
Additional demands include increased police protection, the recruitment of permanent female police officers, and the swift filling of vacant posts for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff.
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