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RG Kar Third Junior Doctors Health Worsens
RG Kar: Third Junior Doctor Rushed to Hospital
Junior Doctors’ Protest Intensifies in Kolkata
The ongoing RG Kar junior doctors protest has taken a severe turn as another junior doctor was rushed to the hospital after his health condition worsened. The doctors began their fast-unto-death on October 5 in Kolkata’s Esplanade area, demanding justice for the rape and murder of a woman medic at RG Kar Medical College. The protest is aimed at pressuring the authorities to take swift action on their demands.
Anustup Mukherjee’s Health Deteriorates
On Saturday evening, Anustup Mukherjee, a junior doctor from Medical College, Kolkata, became the third protester to be hospitalized during the RG Kar junior doctors protest. Colleagues at the protest site described Mukherjee’s condition as serious, with symptoms that included severe stomach pain and bleeding. A team of doctors at the agitation site recommended immediate medical intervention, leading to Mukherjee’s admission to Medical College, Kolkata, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Protestors Hold State Responsible for Health Issues
The junior doctors at the protest site have accused the state administration of being “responsible” for the deteriorating health conditions of their colleagues. They emphasized that the prolonged fasting could have been avoided if their demands were met earlier. The RG Kar junior doctors protest has drawn attention to the critical health risks that the fasting doctors face, adding urgency to the need for dialogue between the protestors and the state government.
Health Concerns Escalate Among Protesters
Mukherjee’s hospitalization marks the third such case among the protesting doctors. Earlier in the day, Alok Varma from North Bengal Medical College and Hospital became the second doctor to be admitted to the hospital. This follows the hospitalization of Aniket Mahato, who was taken to the ICU of RG Kar Hospital three days ago. The deteriorating health of the protesters has heightened concerns about the potential risks associated with the RG Kar junior doctors protest.
Demands of the Junior Doctors
The junior doctors initiated their fast-unto-death with several key demands aimed at improving the conditions at RG Kar Medical College and other state-run hospitals. Their primary demand is justice for the woman medic whose tragic death sparked the RG Kar junior doctors protest. Additionally, they are calling for the immediate removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam, citing administrative failures and inadequate safety measures for medical staff.
Other Key Demands Include:
- Establishment of a centralised referral system for all hospitals and medical colleges in the state to streamline patient care.
- Implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system to ensure better management of hospital resources.
- Formation of task forces to provide essential facilities such as CCTV, on-call rooms, and improved washrooms at hospitals and medical colleges.
These demands, according to the protesting doctors, are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of medical professionals and patients alike.
Government’s Response and Call for Negotiation
The state government has so far been slow to respond to the RG Kar junior doctors protest. Despite the critical condition of the fasting doctors, there has been no significant progress toward resolving the impasse. The protesting doctors have repeatedly appealed to the government for negotiations, stressing the urgency of addressing their demands to prevent further health complications among the participants. However, officials have yet to initiate a formal dialogue, prolonging the standoff.
Concerns Over Long-Term Impact on Healthcare
The RG Kar junior doctors protest has raised broader concerns about the state of healthcare in West Bengal. The ongoing standoff and the deteriorating health of the protesting doctors could impact the functioning of hospitals, particularly if more doctors join the protest or fall ill due to the fasting. Healthcare experts and patient advocacy groups have urged both the government and the protestors to find a middle ground to ensure that patient care is not compromised during the standoff.
Community and Medical Fraternity Show Support
The RG Kar junior doctors protest has garnered support from various sections of the community, including fellow doctors, students, and civil society groups. Many have expressed solidarity with the junior doctors’ demands, recognizing the difficult conditions under which they have chosen to protest. Social media has also seen an outpouring of support, with calls for the government to prioritize the safety of medical professionals and address their grievances.
Looking Ahead: Hope for Resolution
As the RG Kar junior doctors protest continues, the health risks for the fasting doctors remain a pressing concern. The hospitalization of three junior doctors, including Anustup Mukherjee, underscores the urgency of finding a resolution to the conflict. The protestors have made it clear that they are willing to engage in discussions with the state administration to end the fast-unto-death, provided their core demands are addressed. For now, all eyes are on the state government and its next steps in addressing the critical situation at hand.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on current reports regarding the protests and health conditions of the junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College. Readers are advised to follow official channels for updates.
