Kolkata: Protesting doctors from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata have initiated an indefinite hunger strike after their demands for justice in the rape and murder of a trainee doctor went unfulfilled. The hunger strike began on Saturday evening following a 24-hour deadline set for the state government to address their grievances.
Six doctors were selected to participate in the fast. Among them are Snigdha Hazra, Anustup Mukhopadhyay, and Tanaya Panja from Kolkata Medical College, Arnab Mukhopadhyay from SSKM, Pulastha Acharya of NRS Medical College, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra of KPC Medical College. The decision to go on a hunger strike was made after a meeting, following Friday's sit-in demonstration at the Dorina Crossing in Kolkata's Dharmatala. A junior doctor involved in the protest explained, "The state government missed our deadline, so we are commencing the fast unto death. It will continue until our demands are met." To ensure transparency during the strike, the protestors have set up CCTV cameras to monitor the dais where the doctors are holding their fast.
The protesting doctors also stated that the state government would be held responsible if any doctor falls ill during the hunger strike. Earlier on Saturday, the doctors reported that police had refused to let them set up a stage for their protest. They also alleged that police resorted to lathi-charging on Friday night. The Kolkata Police has since promised necessary action in response to the allegations and urged the doctors to identify the police personnel involved and file a formal complaint.
The doctors' demands include immediate justice for the post-graduate trainee doctor, expediting the judicial process, the removal of the health secretary for administrative incompetence and corruption, increased security in hospitals, and the hiring of permanent female police personnel for enhanced protection. Despite their demands, the authorities have yet to offer a concrete response, prompting the indefinite hunger strike.
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