Junior Doctors’ Hunger Strike Enters Seventh Day Amid Demands For Justice

The hunger strike by junior doctors protesting the horrific rape and murder of a colleague from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has entered its seventh day. The number of strikers has dwindled to six following the hospitalization of a seventh participant, Aniket Mahato, whose health severely deteriorated.

Mahato was admitted to the intensive care unit at RG Kar Hospital early Friday morning after his condition worsened. A five-member medical board is currently overseeing his treatment.

Despite the decline in their health, the remaining hunger strikers—Tanaya Panja, Snigdha Hazra, Sayantani Ghosh Hazra, Anushtup Mukhopadhyay, Arnab Mukhopadhyay, and Pulastya Acharya—have vowed to continue their protest until the state government addresses their demands.

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The situation is particularly concerning for Snigdha Hazra, whose health has taken a critical turn. Doctors recommended her hospitalization on Thursday night, but she declined.

In response to the escalating situation, the Joint Platform of Doctors, representing senior physicians across the state, has reached out to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, urging her to intervene and fulfill the demands of the protesting junior doctors.

Additionally, the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF), the organization leading the protests, has organized a mega rally near the hunger-strike site for Friday afternoon, inviting the public to join in solidarity.

“We are already receiving spontaneous mass support,” said WBJDF representative Debasish Halder. “We urge everyone to join us in large numbers. At the rally, we will distribute leaflets updating attendees on our demands. Our movement is not just for our self-interest; it aims to ensure better health services for the common people.”