Kolkata Doctors’ Hunger Strike Enters Day 2 Amid Protests

The hunger strike by six junior doctors at Esplanade in Kolkata has entered its second day. They are protesting the horrific rape and murder of a colleague at R. G. Kar Medical College Hospital.

This protest is notable for its unique approach. While these six doctors—three female and three male—are fasting, their colleagues have returned to work, prioritizing patient care. A West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front representative stated, “We have withdrawn our cease-work agitation to focus on patients. However, we will continue our hunger strike until our demands are met.”

One of the fasting doctors, Pulastya Acharya, shared concerns regarding logistics. They have requested permission from the Kolkata Police to set up a bio-toilet near the hunger strike location. “We made it clear that the bio-toilet would be for participants only,” Acharya explained. However, he noted that the police have not responded to their application.

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The other fasting doctors include Tanaya Panja, Snighdha Hazra, and Anustup Mukhopadhyay from Calcutta Medical College & Hospital, Sayantani Ghosh Hazra from K.P.C Medical College & Hospital, and Arnab Mukhopadhyay from S.S.K.M Medical College & Hospital.

Arnab Mukhopadhyay expressed frustration over the situation, saying, “We never anticipated that setting up a simple bio-toilet would be so complicated. For now, we are using a public toilet located some distance away from the hunger strike venue.” Despite these challenges, he emphasized their commitment to the protest: “Come what may, we will continue.”