West Bengal Government Medical Team Advocates Hospitalisation for Hunger-Striking Junior Doctors

A group of specialist doctors was dispatched by the West Bengal government to evaluate the health of seven junior doctors on hunger strike in central Kolkata. These doctors have been fasting for five days. One team member advised hospitalisation to prevent their condition from worsening.

Amidst the Durga Puja celebrations, seven junior doctors in Kolkata and two in North Bengal have been fasting for 122 hours since Saturday. Their demands include a safer working environment in hospitals. The junior doctors began their hunger strike on Saturday evening at Dorina Crossing in Dharmatala, after ending a total cease-work that had disrupted healthcare services.

Doctors' Health Concerns

The medical team expressed concern over the health of the fasting doctors. "We came here to assess their health situation. It is quite natural that their health parameters wouldn’t be very good after five days of fasting. We are like their parents, and as elders, we have suggested that they should be admitted to a hospital before their condition worsens," said Diptendra Sarkar, a member of the medical team.

The junior doctors are protesting against the alleged rape and murder of a colleague at RG Kar Hospital. They continued their fast unto death for the fifth consecutive day on Thursday. Despite efforts by the state government to resolve the issue, no agreement has been reached.

Government's Response

The state government held a meeting with the protesting doctors on Wednesday evening, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant. However, this meeting did not resolve the situation. The protesting doctors claimed they received only verbal assurances from the government without any concrete solutions.

The ongoing hunger strike highlights the pressing need for improved safety measures in hospitals. The junior doctors remain steadfast in their demands, seeking tangible actions from authorities to address their concerns.

The situation remains tense as both sides seek a resolution. The health of the fasting doctors is a growing concern, prompting calls for immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration.