West Bengal Junior doctors continue indefinite hunger strike, list 10 demands

Kolkata: Demanding workplace safety for doctors and seeking justice for the PG trainee doctor who was allegedly brutally raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the indefinite hunger strike started by junior resident doctors from the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front on October 5 has entered its third day. 

Asserting that their protest will continue for an "indefinite period", the junior doctors said that no one can prove that their demands are wrong in any way. Dr Aqeeb, one of the junior doctors at the strike told ANI that the foremost demand is justice in the RG Kar rape and murder incident.

Junior doctors from the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front on October 5 began an indefinite hunger strike in Kolkata over the RG Kar rape and murder case, demanding that the State government fulfil their long-pending demands. The protest is being held at Dharmatala, where doctors refuse to resume work until their issues are addressed.

Also read- RG Kar Doctor Rape-Murder Case: Delhi AIIMS doctors to hold candle march on October 9

He said, "The role of the CBI in the RG Kar case in the sessions court is very lax. We want justice to be served in this case as soon as possible. We also want that any committees formed in medical colleges for the welfare of students should include a representative from the student's side, and that representative should be elected. This will lead to health reforms and benefit everyone. We have made every possible effort over the past few days, and now this is the last resort for us. No one can say that our demands are wrong."

Dr Aqeeb also said that six doctors are sitting on hunger strike and will continue indefinitely. The six doctors sitting on a relay hunger strike are Snigdha Hazra, Tanaya Panja and Anustup Mukhopadhyay of Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, Arnab Mukhopadhyay from SSKM Hospital, Pulastha Acharya of NRS Medical College and Hospital, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra of KPC Medical College.

Meanwhile, more healthcare professionals joined the protest on Sunday in solidarity with the doctors, as per an HT news report. This comes after the government failed to meet their demands. On October 5, the doctors issued the Bengal state government a 24-hour ultimatum to meet their demands, warning that they would begin an indefinite hunger strike if unmet.

These 10-point chartered demands include:

1) Justice must be ensured for Abhaya quickly and transparently by means of a proper investigation.

2) The Health Ministry must take responsibility for administrative incompetence and corruption in the health sector and the Health Secretary must be removed from his position immediately.

3) A central referral system must be implemented immediately in all hospitals and medical colleges in the state.

4) Each medical college and hospital must establish a digital bed vacancy monitor.

5) As soon as possible, college-based task forces must be formed in all medical colleges and hospitals with elected representation from junior doctors, ensuring the availability of CCTV, on-call rooms, bathrooms, helpline numbers, and panic buttons as needed.

6) Police protection in hospitals must be increased. Permanent male and female police personnel should be appointed, rather than civic volunteers.

7) The vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and health workers in hospitals must be filled immediately.

8) Inquiry committees should be established in each medical college to punish those involved in threat syndicates. An inquiry committee should also be formed at the state level.

9) Student Union Elections must be held immediately in every medical college. All colleges should recognize the RDAs (Resident Doctors’ Association). Elected representation of students and junior doctors must be ensured in all decision-making committees of colleges/hospitals.

10) A rapid investigation process should be initiated regarding the widespread allegations of corruption and irregularities within the WBMC(West Bengal Medical Council) and WBHRB (West Bengal Health Recruitment Board).

Coming in solidarity with the Bengal protesting doctors, the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Government Medical College (GMC) and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala have extended their support and demanded swift action from the Supreme Court and the Government to deliver justice to Abhya and ensure that the voices of their protesting colleagues are heard.

In an official statement, the association said, "We, the Resident Doctors Association of Government Medical College Patiala, stand in unwavering solidarity with our fellow resident doctors of Bengal who have taken the courageous step of going on a hunger strike to demand justice for our colleague, Abhya. Their determination reflects the growing frustration and pain felt by resident doctors across the country over the lack of accountability and justice in this matter."

Further, it added, "The tragic circumstances surrounding Abhya’s case have shaken the medical community, and the inaction of the authorities has forced our colleagues in Bengal to resort to such extreme measures. We firmly believe that no doctor should have to starve themselves to demand basic justice. The health and well-being of those protesting is paramount, and we hold the government fully responsible for their safety. If any harm comes to these brave resident doctors, the government will have to face the consequences of its indifference and neglect."

"The future of our healthcare system depends on the safety and dignity of those who dedicate their lives to saving others. We, too, are prepared to take any step necessary in support of our fellow resident doctors in Bengal. Their fight for justice is our fight, and we will not hesitate to join them in action if the situation demands it," said the association in its press release. 

Also read- RG Kar doctor murder case: Junior Doctors allege being lathi-charged by police during protest