Junior Doctors in West Bengal to Rally on October 30 Demanding Justice for RG Kar Victim

Junior doctors in West Bengal, who recently ended their hunger strike, have planned a rally to the CBI office on October 30. They are demanding justice for a colleague from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The decision was made during a mass convention attended by doctors, civil society members, and celebrities from the Bengali entertainment industry.

The convention, organised by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Forum (WBJDF), aimed to strategise their next steps. It lasted over six hours and featured speeches from 32 representatives. Discussions focused on addressing the alleged threat culture in state-run hospitals and pressuring the government to meet their demands.

Justice for RG Kar Victim

Aniket Mahato, one of the protesting doctors, stated, "It's been more than two-and-a-half months since our beloved sister was tortured and murdered, and we still don't know who the real culprit is." The rally to the CBI office at CGO Complex is part of their efforts to seek justice for the victim.

The protest began after the body of a female doctor was found at RG Kar Hospital on August 9. The junior doctors initiated a cease-work that lasted 42 days until the state government promised to address their concerns. Despite this assurance, they continue to demand transparency and accountability.

Allegations of Suppression

Kinjal Nanda, another protesting doctor, expressed concerns about attempts to hide the truth behind the incident. "We wanted to know what was the truth and that is why we had pressed for a magisterial inquiry," Nanda said. The doctors are not only seeking justice but also aim to reform the system.

On October 21, after meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the junior doctors ended their fast-unto-death which began on October 5. The Chief Minister assured them that their demands would be considered, prompting them to call off their hunger strike.

Formation of New Association

Meanwhile, another group of doctors has formed the West Bengal Junior Doctors Association. This follows a stay order from the Calcutta High Court regarding their suspension by an internal committee. The suspension was allegedly due to promoting a threat culture in medical colleges and hospitals.

Debasish Halder, another doctor involved in the protests, remarked on how widespread support has grown. "We had no idea that this movement would continue for so long and we would get the support of so many people," Halder said during the programme.

The junior doctors' movement has gained significant momentum as they continue to push for justice and systemic change within state-run medical institutions. Their upcoming rally aims to keep pressure on authorities to ensure accountability and transparency in handling such serious allegations.