GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 18th Oct. The fast-unto-death by junior doctors in West Bengal has entered its 14th day, continuing their protest over demands for justice following the tragic death of a post-graduate trainee from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The agitating doctors are also seeking enhanced workplace security.
As the protest intensifies, six fasting doctors have been hospitalized due to deteriorating health conditions, according to a spokesperson for the protesting group. Currently, eight medics remain on an indefinite fast at the protest site in Esplanade, a central area in Kolkata.
The junior doctors are calling for justice for their deceased colleague, who was a victim of a heinous crime, and have demanded the immediate removal of state Health Secretary N.S. Nigam. They expressed frustration over the government’s lack of concrete actions to address their 10-point charter of demands.
In addition to seeking justice for the late medic, their demands include:
- Establishment of a centralized referral system for all hospitals and medical colleges in West Bengal.
- Implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system.
- Formation of task forces to ensure essential workplace provisions such as CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms.
- Increased police protection in hospitals.
- Recruitment of permanent women police personnel.
- Swift filling of vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.
The junior doctors initially launched a “cease-work” protest after the alleged rape and murder of their colleague on August 9. They ended a previous 42-day strike on September 21 after receiving assurances from the state government to consider their demands.
The situation remains tense as the doctors continue to advocate for better safety measures and justice for their fallen colleague.
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