Bengal Junior Doctors hold 21 km protest march, strike to continue

Written by Kajal Rajput Published On 2024-10-21T13:00:25+05:30 | Updated On 21 Oct 2024 1:26 PM IST

Kolkata: The West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front held a protest march in Kolkata on Saturday, demanding justice for the victim of the rape and murder incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The 21 km march attracted participants from various backgrounds.

"Today, we organised a 21 km long rally. We will not back down from the strike until 'Abhaya' receives justice," Dr Aqeeb told ANI.

In a related development, the West Bengal government has urged the junior doctors to withdraw their strike and has invited them to meet with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on October 21 at Nabanna.

Meanwhile, junior doctors continued their hunger strike in solidarity with the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front. The hunger strike, now in its 15th day, is part of their call for justice and healthcare reform.

Also Read:RG Kar Case: Doctors Threaten Statewide Strike on October 22 If Demands Remain Unmet

Protests have erupted across West Bengal following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The victim was found dead in the seminar hall of the college on August 9.

According to an ANI report, the incident has sparked a political row between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the state government, with the BJP calling for the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

In a letter dated October 19, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant stated, "The Hon'ble Chief Minister has expressed deep concern for the health and well-being of those on hunger strike and has made a sincere appeal for the strike to be called off, given the health risks", news agency ANI reported.

"You are invited to a meeting with the Hon'ble Chief Minister on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 5:00 PM at Nabanna Sabhaghar, along with 10 of your colleagues, after the hunger strike is withdrawn. Due to other prior commitments of the Hon'ble Chief Minister, this meeting is scheduled for 45 minutes only.

Please arrive at Nabanna Sabhaghar by 4:30 PM and provide the names of your 10 representatives via return email," Pant added in the letter.

Also Read:RG Kar Stir: Doctors have always been ''soft targets'', says IMA Chief

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Kajal Rajput

Kajal joined Medical Dialogue in 2019 for the Latest Health News. She has done her graduation from the University of Delhi. She mainly covers news about the Latest Healthcare. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.