50 doctors of RG Kar Hospital resign in solidarity with junior doctors' strike

In a significant escalation of the ongoing doctors' protest in West Bengal, around 50 senior doctors from RG Kar Medical College have submitted their resignations in solidarity with the junior doctors' movement. The resignations include department heads, marking a major step in the state's healthcare reform struggle. Reports suggest that doctors from other prominent medical institutions such as SSKM and NRS may follow suit, further intensifying the pressure on the state government.

The junior doctors, who have been on hunger strike at Dharmatala, are demanding the fulfillment of their 10-point agenda, which includes better security measures, improved working conditions, and systemic reforms in state-run hospitals. The protest has gained significant momentum with senior doctors joining the movement. From Monday, 3 to 4 senior doctors, all RG Kar Medical College alumni, have joined the hunger strike to show their support.

The situation is becoming dire as healthcare services in the state face potential collapse. The mass resignations of senior doctors, along with the growing number of participants in the hunger strike, have left the state's health services in a precarious position. The organization representing the senior doctors, Joint Platform of Doctors, has announced that they will start a relay hunger strike from 9 am to 9 pm every day, further amplifying the protest.

In a press statement, the Joint Platform of Doctors expressed their deep concern for the future of healthcare in West Bengal. They have called on the government to engage in constructive dialogue with the striking doctors and fulfill the necessary demands to avoid further escalation of the crisis.

The ongoing protest began in response to increasing incidents of violence against doctors, lack of safety in hospitals, and deteriorating infrastructure. Despite multiple rounds of talks with government officials, no concrete solutions have been reached, leaving the doctors with no option but to escalate their movement.