RG Kar Case: IMA Writes to Mamata as Doctors' Fast-Unto-Death Enters Day 7, 1 Hospitalised

Kolkata: It has been two months since a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata was brutally raped and murdered in the seminar room of the hospital. As the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues investigation in the case, junior doctors in the Bengal capital are sitting on a ‘fast-unto-death’, seeking Justice for Abhaya. As this fast enters day seven, one of the doctors has been hospitalised after his condition worsened.

Indian Medical Association Writes Letter to Mamata Banerjee

Amid the ongoing fast-unto-death by junior doctors, the India Medical Association ( IMA ) has written a letter to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee , requesting her to consider and fulfil the demands of the doctors.

The letter reads, “It is almost a week since the young doctors of Bengal are on a fast-unto-death struggle. Indian Medical Association supports their just demands. They deserve your immediate attention. The Government of West Bengal is entirely capable of meeting all the demands. Peaceful ambience and security are not a luxury. They are a prerequisite. We appeal to your good self to settle the issues with the young generation doctors as an elder and the Head of the Government. The entire medical fraternity of India is concerned and trusts you would be able to save their lives. If the offices of the Indian Medical Association could be of any help we would gladly assist.”

RG Kar Rape and Murder Case: Doctors' Fast-Unto-Death Enters Day 7

The rape and murder of ‘Abhaya’ shocked the entire nation and for at least a month, doctors across the country protested, seeking ‘Justice for Abhaya’ and better working conditions and safety provisions for medical professionals. After the latest Supreme Court hearing in the RG Kar Case, junior doctors in Kolkata announced a fast-unto-death, to ensure their demands are heard and met.

Amid the ongoing Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata, the junior doctors' fast-unto-death has entered day seven today and even though the condition of one of the protesting doctors worsens and he is hospitalised, the medical professionals are continuing with their strike. 

With no cooperation from the state government and the police, the protesting doctors had to face lathi charge as the police officials blocked the doctors' peaceful protest.

Doctors' Fast Unto Death: 1 Hospitalised After Health Condition Worsens

One of the medics on hunger strike was hospitalised on Thursday night after his health condition deteriorated, a senior doctor said. The medic was identified as Aniket Mahato, one of the seven on fast unto death since Saturday evening.

"Aniket Mahato's condition worsened and his parameters were not good. He was taken to RG Kar hospital and will be admitted to the intensive care unit," senior doctor Subarna Goswami told a news channel. Mahato, along with a few others, has been at the forefront of the agitation seeking justice for the rape and murder victim of RG Kar for the last two months. 

Another agitating doctor accompanying Mahato said, "His pulse rate was very low and his other health parameters were also not normal." A team of four specialist doctors was sent by the state health department to the venue of the hunger strike by junior doctors in the Esplanade area to assess the health condition of the seven doctors who have been on hunger strike for the past five days.

"We came here to assess their health situation. It is quite natural that their health parameters wouldn’t be very good after five days of fasting. We are like their parents, and as elders, we have suggested that they should be admitted to a hospital before their condition worsens," said Diptendra Sarkar, a member of the four-member medical team, speaking to reporters.

(Inputs from PTI)