After Dialogue with CM, Junior Doctors Halt Hunger Strike in Response to Medical Safety Concerns

PTI & Agencies, KOLKATA, OCT 21, 2024: In a significant late-night development, the agitating junior doctors who met with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the state secretariat, Nabanna, announced their decision to withdraw their hunger strike. 

This decision comes after a protracted 17-day fast by a section of protesting doctors, aimed at highlighting serious concerns surrounding the medical community's safety and working conditions. The hunger strike commenced on October 5 in response to the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital in August. 

As the hunger strike concluded, reports indicated that six doctors had been hospitalized due to health complications arising from their fast. 

During the meeting on Monday evening, the Chief Minister urged the junior doctors to end their fast and return to their duties, expressing deep concern about the health condition of those who had been hospitalized due to their hunger strike. She emphasized the importance of their roles in the healthcare system and the need for them to resume their responsibilities, particularly in light of the ongoing health crises in the state.

The backdrop to these protests began on August 9, when a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor was tragically found dead in semi-naked condition in the seminar hall of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The shocking incident ignited widespread outrage, leading to the first protests by doctors across West Bengal on August 10. In response to the mounting pressure, Chief Minister Banerjee vowed to pursue the death penalty for the assailant involved in the case.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) further escalated the situation by calling for a nationwide withdrawal of services for 24 hours on August 17. After 42 days of protests, the doctors ended their strike on September 21, following assurances from the state government to address their demands.

Earlier in the evening, a delegation of 17 junior doctors engaged in discussions with Chief Minister Banerjee, which lasted about two hours. During this meeting, Banerjee expressed her displeasure regarding the suspension of 47 students at RG Kar Medical College by the academic council. She questioned the decision, stating, “Why did the (newly appointed) Principal suspend 47 people? How did you decide? You did not feel the need to inform the state government on this. Do not suspend anyone without investigation. Don’t do what you want. Isn’t it a threat culture?”

This ongoing situation has drawn attention to the broader issues of safety and accountability within the healthcare system in West Bengal, and the Chief Minister's involvement reflects the gravity of the concerns raised by the medical community.

As the junior doctors prepare to return to work, the hope is that their withdrawal of the hunger strike will pave the way for constructive dialogue and solutions to the pressing issues they face in the state’s healthcare system.