Junior doctors in Kolkata have started a fast unto death, accusing the West Bengal government of not addressing their demands for better hospital safety. The protest began after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College on August 9. On Friday, the doctors held a sit-in protest at Dorina Crossing, giving the government a 24-hour deadline to act. When no action was taken, they started their hunger strike on Saturday evening. Six doctors have begun fasting and have vowed not to eat until their demands are met.
The junior doctors have resumed their duties but continue to fast. They demand the removal of the health secretary, NS Nigam, along with the introduction of several security measures at hospitals. These include CCTV cameras, better on-call rooms, and a system to monitor available hospital beds. The doctors have also accused the police of using force against peaceful protesters and denying them permission to set up a stage for their protest. Despite these disruptions, they have installed CCTV cameras at the protest site to ensure transparency.
ALSO READ: J&K Assembly Election exit polls: where and when to check results on October 5
The protest follows a 42-day agitation that ended on September 21 after negotiations with the government, but the doctors claim the government has failed to meet their promises. The CBI is investigating the tragic death of the doctor, who was found murdered inside the hospital’s seminar hall on August 9.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash