The fast-unto-death agitation by junior doctors in West Bengal in support of their demands on the rape and murder of their colleagues in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital entered its eighth day on Saturday. Several representatives of doctors have been on a fast-unto-death demonstration since last Saturday. The health condition of doctor Aniket Mahato, who was hospitalised because of deteriorating health due to a fast he began on Sunday, is "critical but stable".
Aniket has started responding to treatment, a member of the five-doctor team monitoring him in the critical care unit (CCU) of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital said on Friday. He was admitted to the state-run hospital on Thursday night. "His parameters have improved, but he will need more recovery time. We do not expect to move him out of the CCU and all tests will be conducted there," she said.
Regarding other protestors who have been on a hunger strike since Saturday night, their colleagues said their health is deteriorating. "They have been fasting for several days, so it's natural their condition will worsen. However, they are determined to continue their protest," Debasish Halder, one of the agitating doctors told news agency PTI.
An ICU ambulance has been stationed near Dorina Crossing at Esplanade for quick response in case any of the fasting doctors' conditions worsen. As per Halder, two junior doctors on hunger strike at North Bengal Medical College are also experiencing deteriorating health.
Doctor's Protest In Bengal
Protesting junior doctors drew support from several of their senior colleagues across the country, prompting the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to urge Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to intervene before the situation escalates. The ongoing agitation has also led the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) to warn that it would declare a nationwide "complete shutdown of medical services" if any "any harm befalls brave junior doctors".
On Friday, IMA national president RV Asokan met the fasting junior doctors to hear their concerns.
After visiting another junior medic admitted to RG Kar Hospital, he expressed his admiration for the protesters, stating, "I am touched by the way these children are fighting for the cause of the people and not for themselves. They are the real heroes, and we are all very proud of them." Asokan called on the CM to address the situation "without wasting any more time."
He noted that while the junior doctors did not discuss ending their fast, they remained focused on their demands and confident in their pursuit of justice for their late colleague. "They did not talk much about withdrawing the fast but focused on their demands and the indifferent attitude of the state government towards their movement. They are quite confident about carrying forward their protest and get justice for the deceased woman doctor," he said.
In a show of solidarity, the junior doctors encouraged the public to observe "Arandhan" (no cooking) on Ekadashi, coinciding with the completion of their seven-day fast. "When our freedom fighters were on hunger strike, the common people observed 'Arandhan' in their support," one doctor explained.
As the hunger strike continued, several senior medics and community members joined the junior doctors at Esplanade, where a large crowd gathered, chanting, "We want justice, we demand justice.
Meanwhile, consultants at the Fortis Group of Hospitals have said they will suspend all non-emergency services starting October 12 (Saturday), according to a statement released by the organisation.
In a related development, the Calcutta High Court granted interim bail to nine youths arrested for raising "We want justice" slogans outside a Durga Puja marquee on October 9. The youths had been remanded to seven days of police custody earlier.
What Did The Bengal Govt Do So Far?
In response to the protesting doctors' recent mail, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant provided a status report on various healthcare initiatives in West Bengal, outlining extensive safety improvements being implemented, including the installation of over 7,000 CCTVs, new duty rooms, and better facilities across medical colleges.
"To enhance the safety and security of medical professionals, extensive infrastructural developments are underway across various medical colleges. We are installing a total of 7,051 CCTVs, 893 new duty rooms and 778 washrooms. Additionally, proper lighting arrangements, alarm systems and biometric access control is also being implemented across all medical colleges and hospitals state-wide," Pant wrote.
What Are Doctors Demanding?
The junior doctors are demanding justice for their murdered colleague at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and the immediate removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam.
Their other demands include the establishment of a centralised referral system for hospitals and medical colleges, the implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system, and the formation of task forces to ensure essential provisions such as CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms at their workplaces.
They are also demanding increased police protection in hospitals, recruitment of permanent women police personnel, and swift filling of vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.
The junior doctors went on to cease work following the rape-murder of a fellow medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
They ended their stir after 42 days on September 21 following assurances from the state government to look into their demands.