A hunger strike by a group of junior doctors in response to the recent rape and murder of a colleague from RG Kar Medical College & Hospital has entered its thirteenth day. The protest, which began on October 5, has intensified, with eight doctors seven in Kolkata and one in Siliguri—vowing to continue despite deteriorating health conditions.
The striking doctors are demanding urgent action from the state government, which they allege has yet to address their key concerns. So far, six participants have required hospitalization due to severe health issues arising from the strike.
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Among those hospitalized are Tanaya Panja and Anustup Mukhopadhyay from Calcutta Medical College & Hospital, Aniket Mahatao from RG Kar Medical College, Pulastya Acharya from NRS Medical College, Aloke Verma from North Bengal Medical College, and Souvik Banerjee from North Bengal Dental College & Hospital.
At Esplanade, three of the original six hunger strikers Arnab Mukhopadhay, Snigdha Hazra, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra—remain resolute, while two additional doctors joined the protest on October 15. Despite their commitment, the health of five of the remaining protesters has significantly worsened, with troubling signs of elevated ketone levels in their urine, indicating potential life-threatening conditions.
The hunger strikers have maintained a high level of transparency throughout their protest, allowing public access to CCTV footage and providing hourly updates on their medical conditions via a display chart at their protest site. They are subsisting solely on water as they continue to advocate for change.
As the situation develops, the state government faces increasing pressure to respond to the demands of these determined medical professionals.
