Junior doctors in West Bengal have called off their 15-day hunger strike, which they initiated in protest of the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case. The decision came after a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday.
The doctors, who had been protesting at hospitals across the state, expressed concerns over the alleged rape and murder of a female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. During the two-hour meeting, which was live-streamed at the doctors’ request, they discussed several demands, including the need to address the “threat culture” prevalent in state hospitals.
While the doctors received assurances from the Chief Minister, they noted that the government’s body language was not particularly encouraging. They highlighted the overwhelming support from the public and the victim’s family, who urged them to end the hunger strike for the sake of their health.
The protest, which lasted for 15 days, was part of a broader call for justice and healthcare reforms in the wake of the horrific incident. Massive protests erupted across West Bengal following the brutal murder, with the victim found dead in a seminar hall at RG Kar on August 9.
The incident has also sparked political tensions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation over the state’s handling of the case. West Bengal Congress President Subhankar Sarkar expressed hope that the recent discussions would lead to a resolution of the ongoing issues.
