KOLKATA: The hunger strike by junior doctors in West Bengal entered the ninth day on Sunday, to urge for their demands to get fulfilled after the RG Kar hospital incident. The doctors continue to protest despite declining health parameters of the protesters. In past few days, three of the junior doctors who were observing ‘fast unto death’ in Kolkata and Siliguri have so far been hospitalised after their condition declined.
“Their conditions are worsening but the state administration remains unmoved,” a leader of the agitating Junior Doctors Forum said.
Doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital are demanding justice for a victim from the hospital, including the removal of Health Secretary N S Nigam and enhanced workplace security. Their protest started after a postgraduate trainee was allegedly raped and murdered on August 9 inside the state-run hospital.
Following nearly 50 days of ‘cease work’ in two phases, the doctors began a hunger strike. They have also asked the public to observe “Arandhan” (no cooking) on Sunday in support of their cause.
A significant number of people have visited the hunger strike during Durga Puja festivities to show their solidarity. One person was arrested by the Kolkata Police the day after the incident, and the CBI is currently investigating the case following a Calcutta High Court order.
(With inputs from PTI)