The ongoing healthcare crisis in West Bengal took a turn for the worse on Monday as discussions between the state government and senior doctors representing ten organizations failed to resolve the impasse. Junior doctors continue their indefinite hunger strike, which began on October 4, demanding justice for the victim of the August 9 rape and murder at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, as well as necessary reforms in the healthcare system.
The hunger strike has seen multiple participants hospitalized, including Tanaya Panja, who was in critical condition on Monday night. In response, the Junior Doctors’ Network of the Indian Medical Association has declared a nationwide 12-hour hunger strike, coinciding with the Supreme Court’s review of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Kolkata doctor’s death.
Following a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with state officials, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant reported “some progress,” stating that seven of the ten demands from junior doctors were being addressed. However, junior doctors expressed dissatisfaction, emphasizing that the absence of the health secretary during discussions rendered the meeting ineffective. Key unresolved demands include the removal of Health Secretary N.S. Nigam and Dr. Sudipta Roy from their positions.
“We told the doctors clearly that we cannot declare any timeline or discuss the three demands. That is their demand,” Pant stated to the media.
Despite the ongoing hunger strike at Rani Rashmoni Avenue in Kolkata, junior doctors marched to Raj Bhawan to voice their concerns regarding the CBI investigation, expressing skepticism over the agency’s findings and its handling of key suspects in the case.
The agitation has also attracted political attention, with TMC Lok Sabha member Kalyan Banerjee criticizing the junior doctors, which sparked further controversy. Debasish Haldar, a leader of the protest, responded, “We cannot abandon our colleagues in critical condition. This is a serious issue, and we are fighting for justice.”
The situation remains tense as the junior doctors continue their protests, demanding accountability and immediate action from the government to address their concerns.
