The hunger strike by junior doctors in West Bengal has entered its 13th day, as they continue to demand justice for a deceased colleague from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, alongside better workplace security measures.
Eight medics remain on fast-unto-death at Esplanade, central Kolkata, while six have already been hospitalised due to severe health deterioration, according to Dr Suvendu Mallick.
The protest follows the tragic death of a post-graduate trainee, with junior doctors alleging her death was a result of rape and murder at RG Kar hospital on August 9.
Their demands include the removal of state Health Secretary NS Nigam, as well as the implementation of a centralised referral system for hospitals and medical colleges, a bed vacancy monitoring system, and improved facilities such as CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms at workplaces.
Additional requests include increased police protection at hospitals, permanent women police personnel, and the immediate filling of vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff.
The junior doctors had previously staged a 42-day strike, which ended on September 21, after the state government promised to address their concerns.
However, dissatisfaction over unmet assurances has reignited their protest.
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