IMA calls for nationwide hunger strike to support protesting Bengal doctors
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The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour hunger strike on October 15 in solidarity with the doctors in West Bengal, demanding justice for the junior doctor who was raped and murdered at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
This decision comes as junior doctors at the hospital continue their fast-unto-death protest, now in its ninth day, with three protesters having been hospitalized.
The hunger strike will be led by the IMA Junior Doctors Network (JDN) and the Medical Students Network, with participants fasting from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. across the country. IMA’s statement also confirmed that the organization’s West Bengal unit is actively supporting the protesting doctors, with its national president, RV Asokan, meeting with those on hunger strike.
The doctors’ demands have gained widespread public support, and the IMA has urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to address their concerns. IMA Bengal expressed its solidarity by fasting on Sunday, with local branches joining the effort.
In addition to the hunger strike, doctors from various private hospitals in West Bengal have announced a partial cease-work for 48 hours, starting from 6 a.m. on October 14 to 6 a.m. on October 16. During this period, only emergency medical services will remain available.
The IMA has encouraged all office bearers, resident doctors, and medical professionals across the country to join the protest and hold fasting events in their medical colleges or nearby campuses.