RG Kar Horror: 4th Doctor Hospitalised As Fast-Unto-Death Continues; Bengal Govt Calls for Meeting

Kolkata: As doctors continued their 'fast-unto-death' protest in Kolkata, remaining firm on their demand for justice for RG Kar rape-murder victim and safe working conditions for healthcare professionals, the health condition of another junior doctor deteriorated on Sunday, Day 9 of the hunger strike. 

The medic, identified as Pulastha Acharya of NRS Medical College and Hospital, was rushed to hospital after he complained of severe stomach pain, an official at the medical establishment said. Notably, the protest entered its 10th day on Monday. He was the fourth protesting doctor who had to be hospitalised amid hunger strike.

Bengal Govt Calls for Meeting With Protesting Medics

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant wrote to the Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD), urging them to cancel their proposed demonstration on October 15, stating that the protest was coinciding with the state government's previously announced 'Pujo Carnival' to be organised on the same day. He also invited the medics for a meeting at state health department headquarters Swasthya Bhawan on Monday to discuss their demands.

In an email, Pant also requested the doctors' body to "advise" the medics to call off their hunger strike in the interest of their health and well-being.

"I write to address your organisation's call for the event scheduled on October 15 at 4 pm on Rani Rashmoni Road, Kolkata in connection with various demands of junior doctors and their ongoing hunger strike. This proposed demonstration coincides with the previously announced pujo carnival organised by the state government," the mail read.

"The carnival is a prominent event attended by thousands, along with international dignitaries who come to witness this UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Any demonstration which may coincide with this event, or misuse of the demonstration by certain elements to cause disruption during this event could pose significant safety and security concerns for the visitors," Pant further wrote in a mail.

"Additionally, I appeal to you to advise junior doctors to end their hunger strike in the interest of their health and well-being," Pant said.

In another email, Pant invited the JPD for a meeting at the Swasthya Bhavan on Monday afternoon, an official said.

3 More Doctors on Fast Hospitalised Earlier

Earlier, Aniket Mahato of RG Kar Medical and Hospital, Anustup Majumdar of Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, and Alok Verma of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital were hospitalised after their health deteriorated.

"Pulastha is in the CCU and his parameters have deteriorated. We have formed a medical board to treat him," news agency PTI quoted a senior doctor of the NRS Medical College and Hospital as saying.

Initially, 11 junior doctors were on a fast-unto-death demanding justice for the a trainee doctor of the RG Kar Hospital, who semi-naked body was found at hospital premises on August 9, creating a massive uproar across the country.

The agitating doctors' demand also include improvement in their security at the hospitals and immediate removal of State Health Secretary NS Nigam, establishment of a centralised referral system for hospitals and medical colleges, implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system, and the formation of task forces to ensure essential provisions such as CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms at workplace.  

They are also demanding increased police protection in hospitals, recruitment of permanent women police personnel, and swift filling of vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.  

The doctors began their agitation following the rape-murder of a fellow medic at RG Kar on August 9. The medics had ended their stir after 42 days on September 21 following assurances from the state government to look into their demands.

FAIMA Calls Off Nationwide Shutdown of Elective Service 

Meanwhile, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) on Monday called off the proposed nationwide boycott of elective services for today.  in support of the protesting junior doctors in West Bengal. The doctors' body had on Sunday announced nationwide shutdown of elective services from today in solidarity with the protesting junior doctors in West Bengal. 

IMA's 24-Hr Nationwide Hunger Strike on Tuesday

In solidarity with protesting doctors in Kolkata, the Indian Medical Association ( IMA ) announced a 24-hour nationwide hunger strike on October 15 from 6am to 6pm.

"Across the country, IMA will hold a dawn-to-dusk fast from 6 AM to 6 PM on Tuesday, 15th October 2024. IMA will coordinate with RDAs and support their local actions," the IMA stated.

IMA has also urged all office bearers of IMA and resident doctors all over the country to join the fast.

"Dear Doctor, Young doctors in Kolkata are engaged in a fast unto death, fighting for their legitimate demands. Today marks the ninth day of their fast, with three already hospitalized. The movement has gained public support. The IMA has appealed to the Honorable Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee , to meet their demands. IMA National President Dr. RV Asokan has visited the fasting doctors and the leaders of the movement," read an official statement from the IMA .

(With PTI inputs)