Junior doctors in West Bengal, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike since October 5, 2024, in Dharmatala and at the North Bengal Medical College, have withdrawn their protest following a heartfelt appeal by the victim’s parents. The hunger strike was initiated by six junior doctors, later joined by others, demanding justice for a fellow doctor who faced harassment and pushing for crucial reforms in the state’s healthcare system.

On Monday night, after returning from a meeting at Nabanna with the Chief Minister and senior officials, the junior doctors officially called off their strike. However, the decision, they clarified, was not made due to governmental pressure but was influenced by the words of the victim’s parents and concerns for the general public.

Parents’ Emotional Appeal Leads to End of Strike
During the announcement, the parents of the victimized doctor from RG Kar Medical College were present at the protest site. Romelika Kumar, a junior doctor and protestor, explained, “It wasn’t the government’s request that led us to this decision, but rather the appeal from the victim’s parents and the consideration of the general public’s well-being.”

Debashis Haldar, another protesting doctor, added that while the hunger strike has been withdrawn, their fight for healthcare reforms will continue. A major rally is scheduled for Saturday at RG Kar Medical College to continue pushing their demands.

Health Sector Demands & Criticism of Administration
The protest had focused on a 10-point demand list, which included justice for the harassed doctor, addressing corruption and administrative failures in the health sector, and enhancing safety and working conditions in hospitals. Key demands included the removal of Health Secretary Narayanswaroop Nigam, establishing better security measures with trained police officers instead of civic volunteers, and launching a digital system to track the availability of beds in hospitals.

The junior doctors had expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the situation, accusing officials of curbing their autonomy and failing to address their concerns about healthcare mismanagement.

Widespread Support and Health Concerns During the Strike
As the protest progressed, many junior doctors fell ill, requiring hospitalization. Several doctors from Kolkata Medical College, RG Kar Medical College, and North Bengal Medical College were hospitalized due to deteriorating health conditions after days of fasting.

Despite this, the protest gained significant public and professional support, with more junior doctors joining the cause in solidarity. On October 15, new protesters, including Romelika Kumar from the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, joined the hunger strike, emphasizing the widespread dissatisfaction within the healthcare community.

Next Steps for Protestors
While the hunger strike has ended, the junior doctors have promised to keep fighting for justice and healthcare reforms. The next phase of their movement will include a large rally on Saturday, where they plan to continue drawing attention to their 10-point demand list and ensure that the government takes meaningful action.

The junior doctors’ movement has highlighted the broader issues within West Bengal’s healthcare system, and their efforts are expected to shape future discussions around medical safety, healthcare infrastructure, and administrative accountability in the state.

Key Demands of the Junior Doctors:

Justice for the victimized doctor – Immediate action and a transparent investigation into the harassment case.
Administrative accountability – Health department must take responsibility for corruption and inefficiency.
Hospital referral systems – Implement centralized referral processes in all medical colleges.
Transparency in bed availability – Install digital monitors displaying bed availability in every hospital.
Hospital safety measures – Strengthen security with trained police personnel, not civic volunteers.
Task forces in hospitals – Establish task forces, including junior doctor representatives, to monitor safety and services.
Address staff shortages – Immediate recruitment of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers.
Action against intimidation – Investigate and take action against individuals accused of political intimidation in medical institutions.
Student union elections – Ensure regular elections in medical colleges and recognize resident doctor organizations.
Investigate corruption in healthcare recruitment – Start investigations into the allegations of corruption within the West Bengal Medical Council and Health Recruitment Board.

This movement has brought attention to the urgent need for reforms in West Bengal’s healthcare system, as junior doctors vow to continue their fight for change.