Junior Doctors in West Bengal End Hunger Strike Following Meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

Junior doctors in West Bengal ended their hunger strike on Monday evening after meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The strike, which had lasted several weeks, was called off along with a planned shutdown of the state's health sector. The decision came after receiving requests from the public and the family of a deceased colleague, rather than as a direct result of the meeting.

Debashish Halder, one of the junior doctors, stated that although some directives were assured during the meeting, the state government's attitude was not encouraging. "The common people have wholeheartedly supported us. They, as well as the parents of our deceased sister RG Kar hospital victim, have been requesting us to call off the hunger strike, keeping in mind our deteriorating health," he said. The doctors plan to continue their protest in other forms and will hold a mass convention on Saturday to discuss their demands.

Focus on Threat Culture

The meeting with Banerjee addressed several issues, including the threat culture in hospitals and justice for their deceased colleague. Both parties acknowledged the existence of this culture but disagreed on its causes and solutions. During discussions, Banerjee questioned why she was not informed about these threats earlier. Aniket Mahato, a doctor who was hospitalised after fasting, argued that those suspended were part of this culture and should not be practising medicine.

Kinjal Nanda, another protesting doctor, highlighted ongoing concerns about inappropriate behaviour towards female medics at RG Kar Hospital. Nanda mentioned that complaints had been raised with the state health department over three years without proper channels for addressing sexual harassment.

Demands for Systemic Changes

The junior doctors' demands include systemic changes in healthcare infrastructure and the removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam. Banerjee resisted labelling Nigam as complicit without evidence. She also shared her experience of fasting during the Singur agitation and urged doctors to end their fast for their health and well-being.

Chief Secretary Manoj Pant promised written directives by October 22 to form task forces and grievance committees. Agnibin Kundu, another protesting doctor, called for statutory recognition of RDAs and MBBS student unions by West Bengal University of Health Sciences.

The hunger strike began on October 5 following a cease-work initiated on August 9 after a colleague's alleged rape and murder at RG Kar Hospital. Despite ending the fast, junior doctors remain committed to pursuing their demands through continued advocacy and dialogue with authorities.