New Delhi, October 7, 2024 – In a show of solidarity, junior doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, are set to join their counterparts in West Bengal in a candlelight protest this Wednesday evening at the JLN Auditorium. This action follows a hunger strike initiated by junior doctors protesting the brutal rape and murder that occurred in August at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital.
As part of their ongoing demands for justice, six doctors have embarked on a fast-unto-death, committing to continue until their calls for accountability are met. They have asserted that their strike will persist indefinitely until justice is served for the victim. “Our only demand is we want justice in the RG Kar incident,” stated Dr. Aqeeb, one of the participating physicians.
An AIIMS doctor highlighted the significance of the protests, emphasizing that, despite their obligations to their patients, it is crucial for the medical community to advocate for justice. “The country has seen junior doctors of Bengal striking for 50 days. The demands have been clear since Day 1—justice,” he remarked.
Concerns have been raised regarding the pace of the Central Bureau of Investigation’s inquiry into the RG Kar incident. The AIIMS doctor criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, asserting that her administration has not adequately addressed the issues at hand. “Mamata Banerjee is not listening. She is just diverting the topic. Transferring some officials is not changing the ground reality,” he noted, calling attention to a “threat culture” that has emerged in the state’s medical facilities.
The ongoing protests are fueled by broader concerns, including improved workplace safety and security, and a demand for increased surveillance through CCTV cameras on hospital campuses to enhance transparency. Doctors recently resumed their protests after expressing disappointment over the government’s failure to act on assurances made during previous meetings with the Chief Minister.
The renewed demonstrations also follow another tragic incident, in which the body of a 10-year-old girl was discovered in a canal in South 24 Parganas. This incident has intensified criticism directed at the state’s police and government for their handling of both this case and the RG Kar incident.
In light of the protests, the doctors remain committed to attending to essential and emergency services, but they have made it clear that their demands for justice and improved conditions must be addressed. “The state will be held responsible for our condition,” they stated, underlining the severity of the situation.
As these protests unfold, the spotlight remains on the West Bengal government, facing increasing pressure from opposition parties and civil activists to ensure justice and safety for all citizens, especially in the healthcare sector.
