On the evening of October 5, junior doctors in West Bengal escalated their protest against the state government by declaring an indefinite hunger strike after receiving no response to their demands within a stipulated 24-hour period. The announcement came during a press conference held at the Dharmatala protest site.
Key Highlights:
- Protest Escalation: Junior doctors had given the state government until 8:30 PM on October 4 to respond to their demands for improved safety and justice for victims of violence against healthcare professionals. With no feedback received, they announced their decision to sit for an indefinite hunger strike.
- Press Conference Announcement: From the makeshift stage at Dharmatala, the doctors stated, “We will begin our hunger strike today.” They emphasized that their protest stems from unresolved issues surrounding safety for both doctors and patients.
- Concerns Over Safety: The junior doctors pointed to a recent incident in Joynagar as evidence that no one in the healthcare system feels secure. They articulated their commitment to advocating for the safety of both medical professionals and their patients, stating, “But safety remains elusive.”
- Distrust in Investigative Processes: During the press conference, the junior doctors expressed their diminishing confidence in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding its inquiry into violence against doctors. They noted, “We initially had trust in the CBI’s investigation, but now we do not feel assured. The current court hearings do not clarify the investigation’s status.”
- Initial Participation in Hunger Strike: For the first phase of their hunger strike, six junior doctors will participate. To maintain transparency, they plan to install CCTV cameras at the protest site.
The indefinite hunger strike by junior doctors reflects their frustration over ongoing safety concerns and the perceived inaction of the state government. As the situation develops, the medical community and the public will be closely monitoring the responses from authorities and the outcomes of this significant protest. The junior doctors remain determined to advocate for justice and improved safety measures, highlighting the urgent need for reforms in the healthcare system.