50 Senior Doctors at RG Kar Resign, Join Ongoing Agitation
The senior doctors stated they resigned because "there has been no response from the authorities to address the issue and protect our children from an impending health crisis"
RG Kar Medical College and Hospital
In a significant escalation of the doctors' protest in West Bengal, around 50 senior doctors from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital resigned on Tuesday in solidarity with medics who have been on a hunger strike, demanding action on a 10-point agenda. Their demands include improved security in hospitals, better working conditions, and systemic reforms in state-run healthcare facilities.
Among those who resigned are department heads, who stated that they took this step due to the lack of response from the authorities to address the issue and prevent an impending health disaster. The doctors warned that medics from other prominent institutions, such as SSKM and NRS, might follow suit, increasing pressure on the state government to act.
The protest, sparked by the alleged rape and murder of a colleague at RG Kar Hospital, saw junior doctors begin a hunger strike on October 5, 2024, claiming that the West Bengal government failed to meet their demands. The movement has gained momentum with senior doctors joining, severely impacting healthcare services across the state. The growing number of hunger strikers and mass resignations have left the health system in a critical state.
While the state government has promised to implement safety measures by early November, the doctors insist their protests will continue until the promises are fulfilled.
In addition, junior doctors plan to distribute leaflets highlighting their demands at Durga Puja pandals on Wednesday and organise a blood donation camp. On Tuesday evening, both junior and senior doctors staged rallies in support of their fasting colleagues.
