Jr doctors hunger strike crosses 100 hours as mass resignations rise after failed talks with State

The hunger strike by junior doctors in West Bengal has now reached its 100th hour, fueled by the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In an escalation, more than 100 doctors are expected to resign from various government-run medical institutions in solidarity with their protesting colleagues. As of Wednesday night, 106 doctors and faculty members at RG Kar Hospital have resigned, joining the wave of mass resignations sweeping across the state.

This includes 19 doctors from Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital, 42 from North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri, and 35 from Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital. Additionally, around 70 doctors from Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, have also submitted their resignations. The junior doctors' protest stems from failed negotiations with state government officials, who have not adequately addressed their demands for safety and justice.

The doctors presented a 10-point charter of demands, which includes justice for the victim, the removal of the state health secretary, and the establishment of a centralized referral system. They are also calling for digital bed vacancy monitors in all hospitals, the formation of task forces in each medical college with elected representatives from junior doctors, and enhanced police presence in hospitals. Furthermore, they demand filling vacant positions within healthcare facilities, holding elections for student councils, and creating college-level inquiry committees to investigate allegations of a threatening culture in medical institutions.