Mass resignations and hunger strike
The senior doctors, many of whom are heads of departments, decided to step down following a meeting on Tuesday morning, sources at the hospital confirmed. "This has been decided at today's meeting of the HoDs. Around 50 senior doctors of our hospital have signed their resignation letters. This is to express our solidarity towards those young doctors who are fighting for a cause," a senior doctor told PTI. Senior doctors at NRS Medical College and Hospital are reportedly considering a similar course of action.Meanwhile, the Federation of All India Medical Association (
Durga Puja festivities
The protest has gained momentum in recent weeks, with junior doctors staging a 'fast-unto-death' in Kolkata since October 5. The junior doctors, joined by 15 senior doctors in a symbolic hunger strike, gathered at Dorina Crossing in Esplanade, demanding justice for the deceased junior doctor and reforms to improve workplace safety.The protests coincided with the ongoing Durga Puja festivities, underscoring the intensity of the doctors' demands. On Tuesday, as the state observed 'Panchami,' the junior doctors planned a rally from College Square to Esplanade around 4:30 p.m. to further press for their demands. Among the key issues raised were the removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam, the establishment of a centralised referral system, and increased security for hospital staff, particularly female medical personnel.
Key demands
In addition to calling for justice for the deceased doctor, the protesting medics are advocating for several reforms aimed at improving safety and working conditions. These include:- Implementation of Safety Measures: Installation of CCTV cameras and on-call rooms, with adequate washrooms for healthcare staff. Chief Secretary Manoj Pant claimed that "over 45 percent of the work for installation of CCTVs was complete," along with 62 percent of other renovation projects.
- Increased Security: The protesters are demanding the recruitment of permanent women police personnel and filling of vacant positions for doctors and healthcare staff.
- Accountability and Transparency: They call for action against alleged administrative incompetence and corruption within the healthcare system.
Government urges return to work
Chief Secretary Manoj Pant has urged the junior doctors to return to work, stating, "I am requesting everyone to come back to work and give services to the people. Some of them already have. We are all working towards improving the environment. They will appreciate that very good progress has been made on the promises made by the government." Pant emphasised that the government is committed to ensuring a safer environment in hospitals.The Joint Platform of Doctors, West Bengal, a coalition of doctors' associations, issued a statement pledging solidarity with the junior medics. "In this situation, we will stand in solidarity," read the statement, signed by Dr. Punyabrata Gun and Dr. Hiralal Konar. The platform also called on private-sector medics to take "some befitting action" in support of the cause.
Despite the government's appeals, junior doctors show no sign of relenting in their quest for justice. The medical fraternity across the nation is uniting in solidarity, with FAIMA urging healthcare workers countrywide to join Wednesday's hunger strike. "The hunger strike is intended to amplify the voices of the junior doctors who have been on strike for weeks, advocating for better working conditions, enhanced safety protocols, and other essential reforms," FAIMA stated.
(With inputs from agencies)