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Junior doctors in Kolkata have been on an indefinite hunger strike for six days, demanding justice for the August 9 rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The protest initially started as a "cease work" strike that lasted 42 days, but was called off after the government promised to meet their demands. However, the junior doctors resumed their protest on September 30, accusing the state of failing to fulfill its promises. Their demands include justice for their colleague, removal of Health Secretary N S Nigam, and implementation of key safety measures such as CCTV cameras, on-call rooms, and proper washroom facilities.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has intervened, sending an urgent letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The letter stressed that the situation requires "immediate attention" and that the government is fully capable of meeting the demands. The IMA expressed its full support for the doctors’ “just demands” and offered to assist in the dialogue process. They emphasized that peaceful and safe working conditions are critical for healthcare workers and urged the government to act quickly to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
As the hunger strike continues, one of the doctors, Aniket Mahato, was hospitalized on Thursday after his health severely deteriorated. Mahato is one of seven doctors who have been fasting since September 30 at the Dorina Crossing in Dharmatala, central Kolkata. A medical team from the state health department assessed the striking doctors, noting their declining health but urging them to get hospital care. Despite this, the junior doctors have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met.
The IMA’s letter, addressed to both the state and national leadership. The IMA stated that it has been nearly a week since the hunger strike began and warned of the potential life-threatening health consequences if the government doesn’t act. They urged the chief minister to intervene as both the head of the state and a concerned elder.