Kolkata Rape Case: In a powerful show of support for junior doctors protesting at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the senior faculty has resigned amidst the ongoing turmoil following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. On Tuesday, visuals shared across social media captured students applauding as 50 senior doctors formally submitted their resignations.Junior doctors hunger strike for justiceThe junior doctors have been on a hunger strike since Saturday, demanding justice for their colleague and advocating against an alleged corruption-threat syndicate within the hospital. Their demands extend beyond accountability to include a push for campus democracy and a patient-friendly healthcare system. Additional requests feature the establishment of a centralized referral system for all medical institutions in the state, implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system, and the creation of task forces to ensure essential amenities such as CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms are available in their workplaces.West Bengal: Mass resignation at RG Kar Hospital- Around 50 senior faculty resigns! pic.twitter.com/f8gUrVkgII— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 8, 2024Moreover, the junior doctors are calling for enhanced police protection in hospitals, recruitment of permanent women police personnel, and the rapid filling of vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff.Mass resignations and solidarity strikesThe mass resignations were motivated by a lack of response from authorities, highlighting their urgency: There has been no response from the appropriate authority to solve and to save our children from impending health disaster. Earlier in the day, around 15 senior doctors joined their junior colleagues in a symbolic hunger strike.The protests coincide with the Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata, where the celebratory atmosphere has been overshadowed by the recent tragic events.Governments assurance amid protestsWest Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant addressed the situation, assuring that 90% of ongoing projects at medical colleges would be completed by next month, urging the protesting doctors to return to work. I am requesting everyone to come back to work and give services to the people, he stated, expressing a commitment to improving the work environment.Despite the assurances, the junior doctors initially initiated a cease work protest following the heinous incident involving their colleague, leading to renewed tensions after a subsequent attack on medics. Their commitment to advocating for safer working conditions remains steadfast.
