KOLKATA — Junior doctors in Kolkata have called off their 17-day hunger strike protesting the rape and murder of a fellow doctor, following an appeal from the victim’s parents. The strike, launched in response to the brutal killing at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in August, had disrupted healthcare services in the eastern Indian city, drawing national attention to the issue of safety in government hospitals.
The victim’s parents expressed concern for the health of the fasting doctors and the impact the strike had on medical services, prompting the doctors to end their protest. “They expressed their worries about the fasting junior doctors’ health as well as the defunct healthcare services that must have affected hundreds of ordinary citizens,” said Dr. Debasish Halder, a spokesman for the striking doctors.
The murder, which led to the arrest of a police volunteer, ignited nationwide protests in August and September. The doctors had been pressing for improved security in government hospitals and justice for their slain colleague.
On Monday, the doctors met with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who agreed to most of their demands, including enhanced safety measures in hospitals. “Our movement for justice and a healthy, secure healthcare system will continue,” Dr. Halder said, noting that the doctors will monitor progress on the promised reforms.
Junior doctors in India have long complained about the poor conditions at government hospitals, which often lack basic amenities such as restrooms, security personnel, and CCTV cameras. Despite efforts by India’s Supreme Court to address these issues, doctors say meaningful changes have been slow to materialize.
The West Bengal government has also faced criticism for its handling of sex crimes and failure to fulfill promises made to doctors following similar protests in 2019. India’s Supreme Court is currently reviewing the case, but doctors argue that the legal system has not provided adequate justice for the victim.
India adopted tougher laws to protect women following the notorious 2012 gang rape and murder in New Delhi, but activists say sexual violence against women remains a widespread problem across the country.