Jr doctor Pulastya Acharya discharged; plans to rejoin protests if necessary

Junior doctor Pulastya Acharya was discharged from Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital on Saturday afternoon after receiving treatment related to the ongoing protests by junior doctors. Upon his release, Acharya announced plans to rejoin the protests against the management of RG Kar Hospital. While he clarified that he would not participate in a hunger strike at this time, he indicated the possibility of resuming fasting if the situation does not improve.

Another junior doctor, Anustup Mukherjee, who was also hospitalized during the hunger strike, is showing signs of recovery and may be discharged shortly. He expressed relief at his improving health and solidarity with his fellow doctors in the ongoing movement. In contrast, Tanaya Panja faces complications that require her to remain in the hospital for further monitoring and treatment. After initially being in the ICU, her condition has stabilized enough for her to be transferred to the High Dependency Unit (HDU), where she is being treated for abdominal pain, nausea, weakness, and other health issues, including low phosphate levels and elevated uric acid.

The protests initiated by junior doctors stem from a recent incident involving the alleged misconduct against a female doctor at RG Kar Hospital. This situation has sparked concerns over safety, security, and infrastructure deficiencies within the hospital. The protesting doctors have outlined ten specific demands aimed at addressing these issues, calling for improved working conditions and enhanced safety protocols for medical staff. The hunger strike has gained significant attention and support, particularly in Dharmatala, Kolkata, and Siliguri in North Bengal, where several doctors have experienced deteriorating health due to the ongoing stress of the protests.

While some doctors have been discharged, others remain hospitalized, highlighting the severe impact of this situation on the medical community. In North Bengal, junior doctors Alok Verma and Souvik Banerjee have successfully returned home after showing substantial improvement. Hospital sources confirm that both were moved from the ICU to general wards before their discharge, indicating a positive recovery trajectory.