An indefinite hunger strike has been started by the Junior Doctors of Kolkata, following the refusal of the government to meet their demands.
The junior doctors had launched a “cease work” protest, following the brutal rape and murder of a fellow doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on 9 August. They had ended their strike after 42 days on 21 September, following assurances from the state government to look into their demands. However, since the government has made no effort to concede their demands, the Junior Doctors have resumed their agitation, from 5 October.
The protesting doctors are demanding justice for their murdered colleague and the strictest punishment for all those guilty of the ghastly crime. They are calling for immediate removal of the State Health Secretary, a complete investigation into corruption in the State Health department and action against the officials found guilty.
Highlighting the difficulties and harassment faced by patients seeking treatment in government hospitals, the protesting doctors are demanding the establishment of a centralised referral system for all hospitals and medical colleges in the state, and implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system. For ensuring security of the doctors and medical staff, they are demanding on-call rooms, and washrooms at their workplaces as well as provisions for CCTV in the hospital premises.
They are also demanding increased police protection in hospitals, recruitment of permanent women police personnel. They are demanding that vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers be promptly filled.
The continuing agitation of the Junior Doctors reveals the terrible conditions of lack of safety, lack of resting space as well as long working hours, that the doctors face. It shows that the government is not serious about addressing these urgent problems in the government health system, that the doctors have highlighted.
The Junior Doctors have expressed their resolve to continue the agitation until their demands are met.