RG Kar Stir: 4th doctor hospitalised as fast-unto-death continues

Kolkata: A protesting doctor was hospitalised on Sunday night after his health deteriorated, earlier three junior doctors on a 'fast unto death' in Kolkata and Siliguri have been hospitalized in view of their health condition. The hunger strike by junior doctors in West Bengal, demanding justice following the RG Kar Hospital incident, entered its tenth day on Monday.

In a show of solidarity, people at various parts of the state are participating in a "symbolic fast."

Pulastha Acharya of the NRS Medical College and Hospital was taken to hospital on Sunday night after he complained of severe stomach pain, officials said.

“Pulastha is in the CCU and his parameters have deteriorated. We have formed a medical board to treat him,” a senior doctor of the NRS Medical College and Hospital told PTI.

According to the PTI report, a leader of the agitating Junior Doctors Forum said, "Their conditions are worsening but the state administration remains unmoved.” 

Also Read:Fast-unto-Death Protest: Junior doctor condition deteriorates, hospitalised

Meanwhile, a group of former students of RG Kar Hospital have reached the medical establishment for a symbolic fasting of 12 hours to express solidarity with the students on hunger strike.

However, they faced resistance from the CISF personnel who were on security duty at the hospital following a court order.

The ex-students, most of whom are senior citizens, said they will go ahead with their proposed symbolic fast programme, come what may.

Several people are also observing the "symblic fast" during the day in Malda and Murshidabad districts.

The agitating doctors have urged people to observe "Arandhan" (no cooking) on Sunday to show solidarity and support for their cause.

A large number of common people visited the venue of the hunger strike during the past few days when the Durga Puja festivities were on.

The junior doctors have been demanding justice for the RG Kar hospital victim, immediate removal of Health Secretary N S Nigam, workplace security and other measures.

Their other demands include the establishment of a centralised referral system for all hospitals and medical colleges in the state, the implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system, and formation of task forces to ensure essential provisions for CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms at their workplaces.

The hunger strike from October 5 followed nearly 50 days of ‘cease work’ in two phases. Their agitation began after an on-duty postgraduate trainee was allegedly raped and murdered inside state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

While one person was arrested by the Kolkata Police the next day, the CBI is now investigating the case on a Calcutta High Court order.

On Friday, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to intervene before the situation escalates, news agency PTI reported.

Doctors of private hospitals called for a 48-hour “partial cease work” from October 14 in medical establishments across West Bengal, in solidarity with the agitating junior medics observing a fast-unto-death.

The doctors, under the banner of Healthcare Professionals of Private Hospitals, however, said emergency services in all medical facilities will remain operational.

The Joint Platform of Doctors, West Bengal, has also called for a ‘protest carnival’ on October 15 at Esplanade.

The date coincides with the West Bengal government-organised carnival on Red Road, situated nearby, where prominent Durga Puja idols and decorations are showcased through processions and cultural events.

The ongoing agitation also prompted the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) to warn of a nationwide "complete shutdown of medical services" if any harm is caused to the protesting junior doctors, adds PTI.

Also Read:RG Kar Case: IMA writes to CM Banerjee over Doctors' hunger strike, Says 'Security not Luxury'