The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a 12-hour nationwide hunger strike on October 15 in solidarity with junior doctors in West Bengal, following the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This announcement comes as junior doctors at the hospital continue their fast-unto-death protest, now in its ninth day, with three of the protesting doctors currently hospitalised.
The hunger strike will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and will be led by the IMA Junior Doctors Network (JDN) and the Medical Students Network (MSN). Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) across the country are coordinating local actions in support of the protest.
The IMA, in its statement, has appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to address the demands of the doctors, who are seeking justice for their colleague and improved safety measures in hospitals. “Younger doctors in Kolkata are engaged in a Fast-Unto-Death struggle for their legitimate demands, supported by the public,” the IMA declared.
IMA National President RV Asokan has visited the fasting doctors to show support, while the IMA Bengal unit participated in a local fast on Sunday. The association has urged medical professionals nationwide to join the protest at medical colleges or nearby locations.
In a related development, private hospital doctors in West Bengal have announced a partial cease-work starting October 14, with emergency services being the only operations available until the morning of October 16. This 48-hour action underscores the growing unrest among the medical community in the state.