Jr Doctor Anustup Mukherjee hospitalized with severe abdominal pain, blood in urine after strike

Junior doctor Anustup Mukherjee has been hospitalized in critical condition after experiencing severe health complications from an eight-day hunger strike in Dharmatala. He was rushed to Calcutta Medical College Hospital on Saturday night following alarming symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, blood in his urine (hematuria), and extreme weakness. His condition deteriorated after consuming nothing but water for eight consecutive days.

Anustup is currently in the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU), where an eight-member medical team has been formed to manage his treatment. Tests revealed hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (high pulse rate), and high levels of ketone bodies in his urine, indicating starvation ketosis. Doctors are closely monitoring his condition, with plans for an endoscopy if fresh gastrointestinal bleeding occurs.

Other doctors participating in the hunger strike have also fallen ill. Aniket Mahato was previously hospitalized at RG Kar Medical College with similar symptoms but is now stable. Alok Verma, another junior doctor, was admitted on Saturday morning after his health worsened during the protest.

Medical professionals have expressed concern over Anustup’s condition, which may worsen if his electrolyte imbalance and dehydration are not stabilized. Ongoing tests, including blood work, chest X-rays, and abdominal imaging, will help doctors decide the next steps in his treatment, including whether he requires a blood transfusion.