The hunger strike staged by junior doctors at Esplanade in Kolkata gained momentum as two more doctors joined the protest in the early hours of Saturday.
Protesters are demonstrating in response to the rape and murder of a junior female doctor from RG Kar Medical College, a crime that has sparked outrage in the city.
The latest additions to the fast-unto-death protest are Dr. Parichay Panda, an ENT specialist from Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan, and Dr. Alolika Ghorui, a surgeon at Calcutta National Medical College.
Their participation brings the total number of doctors currently on hunger strike to eight.
The hunger strike, which began on 5 October, initially involved six junior doctors: Dr. Tanaya Panja, Dr. Snigdha Hazra, Dr. Sayantani Ghosh Hazra, Dr. Anushtup Mukhopadhyay, Dr. Arnab Mukhopadhyay, and Dr. Pulastya Acharya.
Additionally, Dr. Aniket Mahato joined them from RG Kar Medical College on 6 October.
However, Mahato had to be hospitalized after his health deteriorated, temporarily reducing the number of striking doctors before Panda and Ghorui’s arrival.
The doctors are demanding justice for their colleague, whose brutal death two months ago at RG Kar Medical College continues to be a source of anger and grief.
The protesters have called for improved safety measures for medical staff, especially women, and faster investigation into the case.
Reports indicate that the health of the doctors on hunger strike is rapidly worsening.
Several have shown elevated pulse rates and fluctuating blood pressure, with traces of ketone bodies detected in their urine – a sign of malnutrition.
Dr. Snigdha Hazra’s condition is of particular concern as symptoms of severe dehydration and weakness become more pronounced.
IMA President Dr. RV Asokan Visits Kolkata To Support Junior Doctors’ Hunger Strike For Safer Workplaces
Earlier on Friday, the President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Dr. RV Asokan, visited Kolkata to express solidarity with the protesting doctors.
“This protest is not just about one tragic incident. It’s about ensuring that healthcare professionals, especially women, feel safe in their workplaces. We stand firmly behind these junior doctors,” Dr. Asokan stated.
As the hunger strike enters its eighth day, support for the movement continues to grow both within the medical fraternity and among the general public.
Still, tensions are high as concerns mount over the doctors’ declining health, with no resolution in sight.
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