Kolkata rape-murder case: Doctors end hunger strike after meeting with WB CM Mamata Banerjee amid outcry

Even though the hunger strike has ended, the doctors have said that they will still protest in other ways.

Author
Bhaskar Chakravorty
Follow us:

The doctors have stated that their protest will continue through other means, despite ending the strike. (X/iindrojit)

West Bengal News: After meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee this evening, junior physicians who have been on a hunger strike for the past 17 days to protest the rape and murder of their colleague at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital and College broke their fast. The physicians, who had been calling for better working conditions and upgrades to the healthcare industry's infrastructure, also said that they were calling off the broader medical strike. 

Even though the hunger strike has ended, the doctors have said that they will still protest in other ways. The doctors had initially organized the hunger strike to demand improved working conditions and infrastructure within the healthcare sector, particularly in light of the recent rape and murder of a colleague.

Withdrawal of general medical Strike

In addition to ending their hunger strike, the junior doctors announced the withdrawal of the general medical strike they had previously called. However, they emphasized that their protests would continue through alternative means, signaling their determination to address the issues plaguing the healthcare system.

Key takeaways from the meeting

The two-hour meeting streamed live from the state secretariat, Nabanna, provided a platform for the junior doctors to voice their concerns. Chief Minister Banerjee urged them to end their fast, asserting that most of their demands had been addressed. However, she rejected their request for the removal of the state health secretary, emphasizing the need for evidence before labeling someone as accused. "You cannot call a person accused without any concrete proof. First, you have to provide evidence; then you can call a person accused,” she stated.

Concerns over suspension practices

During the discussion, Banerjee expressed her concerns regarding the suspension of junior doctors and medical students without following proper procedures. “How can these students or resident doctors be suspended just on the basis of complaints? Isn’t this a threat culture?" she questioned, highlighting the need for transparency and due process in handling complaints against medical staff.

The Chief Minister assured the junior doctors that their demands would be considered, urging them to persuade their colleagues to resume their duties. As the healthcare community seeks to address ongoing challenges, the commitment to better working conditions remains a priority.