The junior doctors' hunger strike in West Bengal, which began on October 5, has entered its 10th day, with the situation escalating as another medic was admitted to the hospital due to deteriorating health. This ongoing protest is a culmination of nearly 50 days of 'cease work' in two phases, initiated after the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024.
Background of the Protest
The protest began after the brutal rape and murder of a female doctor at RG Kar Hospital, which shocked the medical community and sparked widespread outrage. The incident led to a series of demands from the junior doctors, including justice for the victim, immediate removal of Health Secretary N.S. Nigam, and enhanced workplace security.
The junior doctors have been pushing for several reforms, including the establishment of a centralised referral system for all hospitals and medical colleges in the state, implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system, and formation of task forces to ensure essential provisions such as CCTV cameras, on-call rooms, and washrooms at their workplaces.
Hospitalisations and Health Concerns
As the hunger strike continues, several junior doctors have been hospitalised due to their deteriorating health conditions. Pulastha Acharya, affiliated with NRS Medical College and Hospital, was admitted to the hospital on Sunday night after complaining of severe stomach pain. With Acharya's hospitalisation, the total number of junior doctors admitted during the protest has risen to four.
Aniket Mahato from RG Kar Medical College, Anustup Majumdar from Kolkata Medical College, and Alok Verma from North Bengal Medical College were also hospitalised after their health worsened during the protest. Pulastha is currently in the CCU, and his condition is concerning, with a medical board set up to oversee his treatment.
Government Response and Negotiations
The state government has been urged by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to intervene and address the doctors' demands. In a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the IMA expressed confidence that the state government is capable of meeting all the demands and appealed for immediate action to ensure the safety and peaceful environment for medical professionals.
Chief Secretary Manoj Pant has written to the Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD), urging them to call off their proposed demonstration on October 15, stating that the stir coincides with the state government's annual Durga Pujo Carnival. He also invited them for a meeting at state health department headquarters Swasthya Bhawan to discuss their demands.
However, the talks between the doctors' associations and the state government have ended in a stalemate. The junior doctors have expressed frustration with the lack of concrete actions from the government, leading to their continued protest.
Support from Medical Bodies and Private Hospitals
The ongoing agitation has garnered support from various medical bodies across the country. The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has warned of a nationwide 'complete shutdown of medical services' if any harm is caused to the protesting junior doctors.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour nationwide hunger strike on October 15 to support the doctors in West Bengal. The IMA Junior Doctors' Network and Medical Students' Network will coordinate with Resident Doctors' Associations (RDAs) to organize fasting from dawn to dusk on Tuesday.
Doctors posted with private hospitals in West Bengal have also announced a 48-hour 'partial cease-work' from October 14, with emergency services remaining operational. This solidarity move aims to highlight the broader issues of doctor safety and security.
Community Support and Symbolic Fasts
The junior doctors' hunger strike has received significant community support. Several people have observed 'symbolic fasts' in various parts of the state, including Malda and Murshidabad districts, to express solidarity with the agitators.
A group of former students of RG Kar Hospital conducted a symbolic fast of 12 hours to show their support for the junior doctors. However, they faced resistance from Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel who were on security duty at the hospital.
The community's support extends beyond symbolic actions; many have observed 'Arandhan' (no cooking) on Sunday to show their solidarity and support for the cause. The large number of people visiting the venue of the hunger strike during the past few days, despite Durga Puja festivities, underscores the widespread support for the junior doctors' demands.
Impact on Medical Services
The ongoing hunger strike and partial cease-work by private hospitals have impacted medical services in West Bengal. While emergency services continue to operate, the partial cease-work has led to reduced availability of non-emergency services. This situation highlights the broader implications of the protest on the state's healthcare infrastructure.
The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has noted that the suspension of non-emergency services by doctors across the country could have significant repercussions on the overall medical infrastructure. The organization has urged the state government to intervene promptly to ensure that medical services remain uninterrupted.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the state government will address the demands of the junior doctors. The prolonged protest underscores the urgent need for concrete actions to ensure the safety and well-being of medical professionals in West Bengal.
