West Bengal Standoff: Junior Doctors Demand Justice Amidst Health Crisis

Junior doctors in West Bengal are on a hunger strike, demanding the state government address issues related to their colleague's alleged rape and murder. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urges them to end the protest, offering talks after withdrawal. Some demands are addressed, but key issues remain unresolved.

In West Bengal, tensions have escalated as junior doctors continued their hunger strike despite an appeal from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. They are demanding justice for their colleague's alleged rape and murder and call for improvements in healthcare infrastructure.

The junior doctors, protesting at RG Kar Hospital, have refused to end their fast until all demands are met, even as state officials, including Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, assert that most concerns have been addressed. However, a critical demand—the removal of state Health secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam—remains unmet.

As the protest reaches its 15th day, six doctors have been hospitalized, highlighting a profound health crisis. Talks have been scheduled with Mamata Banerjee, pending the withdrawal of the hunger strike. The doctors insist the government take decisive action by October 21 to break the current deadlock.

(With inputs from agencies.)