Junior Doctors Persist with Hunger Strike for Justice and Safety

Junior doctors continue their 'fast-unto-death' protest for the fifth day, seeking justice for a rape-murder victim and better workplace safety. They demand increased security at medical facilities, removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam, and accountability for administrative failures. Senior doctors join in support, planning rallies and distributing leaflets.

Junior doctors in Kolkata have persisted with their 'fast-unto-death' protest for a fifth consecutive day, demanding justice for a colleague who was a victim of rape and murder, as well as improved workplace safety. The protesters include doctors from Kolkata Medical College, SSKM, NRS Medical College, and others.

Aniket Mahato of RG Kar Medical College, one of the fasting junior doctors, emphasized their commitment to continue until their demands are met, despite some political leaders mocking the protest. The doctors plan to distribute leaflets at Durga Puja pandals highlighting their demands and hold a blood donation camp.

The junior doctors, backed by senior doctors and the West Bengal Joint Platform of Doctors, demand the removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam, centralised hospital referral systems, increased police protection, and accountability for healthcare system corruption. The protest began after the rape-murder incident on August 9 and had previously halted healthcare services for 42 days.

(With inputs from agencies.)