RG Kar Junior Doctor Hospitalised as Fast-Unto-Death Protest Continues Over Safety Demands

A junior doctor, who had been fasting since October 5, was taken to a hospital on Sunday night due to worsening health, according to an official. Pulastha Acharya from NRS Medical College and Hospital experienced severe stomach pain, prompting his hospitalisation. This incident increased the number of junior doctors hospitalised during the protest to four.

Initially, 11 junior doctors began a hunger strike demanding justice for a female medic from RG Kar Hospital who was raped and murdered in August. They also sought better security at hospitals and the removal of State Health Secretary NS Nigam. The protest started after the tragic event on August 9.

Protest Demands and Developments

The protesting doctors have outlined several demands. These include establishing a centralised referral system for hospitals and medical colleges, implementing a bed vacancy monitoring system, and forming task forces to ensure essential facilities like CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms at workplaces.

In addition to these, they are calling for increased police protection in hospitals. They want permanent recruitment of women police personnel and quick filling of vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. These measures aim to enhance safety and efficiency in healthcare settings.

Health Concerns Among Protesters

Pulastha Acharya's condition worsened significantly, requiring admission to the Critical Care Unit (CCU). "Pulastha is in the CCU and his parameters have deteriorated. We have formed a medical board to treat him," stated a senior doctor from NRS Medical College and Hospital.

Before Acharya, three other junior doctors needed medical attention due to health issues during the protest. Aniket Mahato from RG Kar Medical and Hospital, Anustup Majumdar from Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, and Alok Verma from North Bengal Medical College and Hospital were previously hospitalised.

Resolution Efforts

The doctors concluded their strike after 42 days on September 21. They decided to end it following assurances from the state government that their demands would be addressed. This decision came after prolonged negotiations aimed at resolving the issues raised by the protesting medics.

The situation highlights ongoing concerns about safety and working conditions in hospitals. The demands made by the junior doctors reflect broader issues within the healthcare system that require urgent attention to prevent future incidents.