2 more junior docs join fast-unto-death, NBMCH doctor on hunger strike falls ill

Kolkata: The human chain by West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF) could not move beyond a point on Tuesday due to the ‘Droh-er Carnival’ gatherings at Esplanade and Rani Rashmoni Avenue.
It was also marked with rising tempers with DC (Central) Indira Mukherjee facing “go-back” slogans and fire minister Sujit Bose complaining that his vehicle was hit with bottles and sticks.
On Tuesday, two more junior doctors joined the fast-unto-death at Esplanade. Rumelika Kumar, a community medicine PGT of All India Institute of Hygiene & Public Health, and Spandan Chowdhury, a medicine PGT of Midnapore Medical College, joined the strike.
During the day, Souvik Banerjee, a junior a doctor on hunger strike at NBMCH,was admitted in the ICU after his condition deteriorated. Now, six junior doctors are in hospital after their condition deteriorated following days without food. In all, eight junior doctors are on fast, including three who have been fasting since Oct 5.
Debashis Halder, a WBJDF representative, said, “Seniors and several organizations have given the ‘Droh-er Carnival’ call in solidarity with our fast-unto-death. We are supporting them in spirit.”
Even as the plan was to begin human chain at Dorina Crossing, it could not move towards Rani Rashmoni Avenue and Grand Hotel as the zone remained blocked due to the ‘Droh-er Carnival’.
PGT trainee at CNMCH, Mrinmoy Basak, said, “The human chain could not move towards planned directions as it was not feasible amid such a huge gathering. Nearly 400 people participated in the chain peacefully.”
Minister Bose said, “Everyone has the right to protest. But what kind of uncivilized behaviour is this?” The protesters said that Bose’s car did not bother to stop despite seeing the human chain.