- By Aashish Vashistha
- Mon, 21 Oct 2024 08:13 AM (IST)
- Source:PTI
RG Kar Case: Junior doctors in West Bengal are set to attend a crucial meeting with the state government today (October 21) to address their demands following the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. While some doctors plan to participate, those on an indefinite hunger strike will not attend the meeting due to health concerns.
The junior doctors stated that the decision to call off the strike would be taken according to the outcome of the meeting. The meeting is likely to be held at around 5 pm today at state secretariat Nabanna.
"We will attend the meeting but the hunger strike will not be withdrawn before it," Debasish Halder, one of the agitating medics was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. "The outcome of the meeting will decide in what form the agitation will continue," he further stated.
The junior doctors who began fast-unto-death to protest the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor are Aniket Mahato, Snigdha Hazra, Tanaya Panja, and Anustup Mukhopadhyay from Kolkata Medical College, Arnab Mukhopadhyay from SSKM Hospital, Pulastha Acharya from NRS Medical College and Hospital, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra from KPC Medical College.
Earlier on Saturday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the protesting juniors to end their fast-unto-death. She said most of their demands have been met but rejected their insistence on the removal of the state health secretary.
What Are Junior Doctors Demanding?
Junior doctors are currently advocating for urgent reforms and justice following the rape and murder of a colleague at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Their demands include not only accountability for the crime but also a safer working environment for all medical staff.
Additionally, they call for the immediate removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam, reflecting their broader concerns about systemic issues within the healthcare system.
Following 50 days of 'cease-work' and a hunger strike initiated on October 5, the situation has escalated, with several doctors hospitalized due to their deteriorating health while others continue their indefinite fast.