Jr doctors hunger strike in Bengal gains celebrity support amidst administrative concerns

Junior doctors in West Bengal are intensifying their hunger strike as part of an ongoing protest demanding better working conditions and justice for a colleague who faced violence. The agitation has gained momentum and public attention, especially after recent incidents that have highlighted the risks faced by medical professionals in the state. As part of their protests, the doctors are also advocating for improved healthcare policies and safety measures for frontline workers.

On Saturday, the movement saw the involvement of seven prominent celebrities, including actresses Chaitie Ghoshal, Debolina Dutta, and Bidipta Chakraborty, who participated in a symbolic hunger strike alongside the junior doctors. This show of solidarity has sparked controversy, prompting West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Panth to raise concerns regarding the presence of these celebrities at the protest sites. He questioned their involvement and suggested that it may detract from the seriousness of the junior doctors’ demands, urging them to withdraw from the hunger strike.

In a statement addressing the Chief Secretary's comments, junior doctors firmly defended the participation of the celebrities, stating that no one was coerced into joining the protest. Dr. Kinjol Nanda clarified, “They have come to awaken their conscience and sit upright in protest”.

Chaitie Ghoshal expressed her solidarity, stating, “I am a human being first, then an actress,” and highlighted that the issues faced by the doctors are human issues that require public attention. Debolina Dutta echoed this sentiment, questioning why there was a division between celebrities and doctors when both groups are fighting for the same cause. She pointed out, “There is no difference between us and them. Both have two hands and two legs.”

The backdrop of this protest is a series of troubling incidents involving junior doctors in the state, including instances of violence against them while on duty. These incidents have ignited public outrage and calls for systemic change within the healthcare sector. The junior doctors' movement has gained significant traction, with protests, marches, and human chains becoming a common sight across West Bengal. Support from the public and celebrities has further amplified their demands for justice and reform.