National Desk
11 October
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The condition of a junior doctor who was admitted to RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata has become critical after being on hunger strike for six days. The strike was launched by junior doctors in protest against a rape and murder incident at the hospital. Dr. Aniket Mehto, who has been on hunger strike since last Sunday, was admitted to the hospital last night after his health seriously deteriorated.
According to Dr. (Prof.) Soma Mukhopadhyay, who is in charge of the Critical Care Unit (CCU) at RG Kar Hospital, Dr. Mehto was brought in unconscious and is currently in a critical condition. “He hasn’t even consumed water for the last few days. He has been provided with oxygen and other necessary medical treatment,” she said. Meanwhile, the health of six other doctors on hunger strike is also worsening. Despite this, the striking doctors have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a statement urging the West Bengal government to address the legitimate demands of the junior doctors in order to resolve the situation peacefully. The IMA emphasized that the government has the responsibility to find a solution to the crisis and restore normalcy.
At the same time, the IMA has appealed to the protesting doctors to reconsider their methods of protest. “While the medical fraternity stands united in support of the doctors’ demands, we urge them to avoid the most extreme forms of protest, such as hunger strikes,” the IMA said in a statement.
As the strike enters its seventh day, the pressure on the West Bengal government continues to mount, with growing concern over the deteriorating health of the junior doctors. All eyes are now on the state authorities to resolve the issue and prevent further escalation.