Senior Doctors Join Junior Doctors’ Hunger Strike, Demanding Justice for Victims of Violence

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 6, 2024, Kolkata : In a significant show of solidarity, senior doctors have announced a hunger strike starting next Monday to support their junior counterparts who are protesting for justice following the tragic rape and murder of a young doctor from RG Kar Hospital. Dr. Subarna Goswami, a prominent senior physician, emphasized the importance of the movement, stating, “We must ensure that our juniors’ struggle does not go in vain.”

The protest escalated after the horrifying incident involving the rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl in Kultali, Jayanagar, which further fueled the anger and determination of the medical community. Junior doctors had previously suspended their work, returning only on Saturday after a prolonged period of protests.

Currently, a relay hunger strike is being observed by 6-7 junior doctors each day, with the understanding that if any participant falls ill, the state government will take responsibility for their well-being. On Saturday, six representatives from various government and private hospitals joined the hunger strike, excluding RG Kar, showcasing a united front in demanding justice and safety.

In response to the surge in violent crimes, a group of 12 senior doctors traveled to Mahishmari village on Sunday to offer their support to the family of the young victim. Dr. Goswami expressed her outrage, stating, “We will protest wherever such crimes occur. The administration had a duty to warn and protect the community to prevent these tragedies.”

The medical community’s escalating activism highlights a critical intersection of healthcare and public safety, as they demand systemic changes to ensure the protection of vulnerable populations. With the hunger strike set to commence next week, the call for justice resonates not only within the medical fraternity but also throughout the community at large.