Indian Medical Association Chief Highlights Systemic Issues Amid RG Kar Medical College Hunger Strike

The indefinite hunger strike by young doctors in West Bengal has reached its ninth day. Dr. R V Asokan, the head of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), expressed concern over the ongoing injustice faced by medical professionals. He stated that doctors have always been easy targets for such injustices. The protest began on October 5, following a 50-day work stoppage over the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

Dr. Asokan shared his thoughts on X, highlighting the plight of doctors in India. He described them as being bound by the Bond system from the start of their careers. In his post titled "Meek shall inherit the Earth," he criticised the conditions in medical colleges, saying the tragic death of the resident doctor exposed deep-rooted issues within these institutions. He likened the doctors' protest to Mahatma Gandhi's Fast in Kolkata during British rule, emphasising their silent struggle.

Doctors' Demands and Concerns

The protesting doctors are demanding justice for their deceased colleague and immediate action against Health Secretary N S Nigam. They also seek task forces to ensure essential facilities like CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms at their workplaces. Despite assurances from the state government after a 42-day protest ending on September 21, they resumed their hunger strike at Dorina Crossing in Dharmatala, Kolkata, citing unmet demands.

Dr. Asokan questioned whether postgraduate residents are there to learn or merely serve as employees to run medical colleges. He raised concerns about excessive duty hours, asking who is responsible for 30-hour shifts and 100-hour weekly burdens on young doctors. He highlighted that these conditions contribute to young suicides and called for urgent attention to improve medical colleges.

Broader Issues in Medical Education

Dr. Asokan pointed out that there are currently 706 medical colleges with plans for 72 more. Despite this, about 1.5 lakh MBBS graduates remain unemployed, often stuck in coaching centres due to lack of opportunities. He criticised the government's inability to effectively utilise these qualified professionals despite claiming a shortage of doctors.

The IMA chief stressed that the crime at RG Kar is just a symptom of larger issues within the healthcare system. He argued that nothing short of a renaissance could address these problems. Dr. Asokan urged investment in health and warned against industrialising healthcare as a solution, linking hospital violence to chronic underfunding.

Nationwide Support for Striking Doctors

In solidarity with Kolkata's striking doctors, junior doctors and medical students across India participated in a 12-hour hunger strike on Tuesday. This was part of a nationwide call by the IMA's junior doctors wing to support their colleagues in West Bengal. The initial cease work was prompted by outrage over their colleague's alleged rape and murder on August 9.

The ongoing protests highlight significant challenges within India's medical education system and healthcare infrastructure. The demands for justice and better working conditions reflect broader concerns about safety and support for medical professionals across the country.