KOLKATA: As many as 50 senior doctors from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata resigned on Tuesday in support of their colleagues, who are on a hunger strike demanding justice for a deceased woman doctor.
The decision was made during a meeting of department heads at the state-run hospital. One of the senior doctors said, "This was decided in today's meeting of the HoDs. All 50 senior doctors have signed their resignation letters to show solidarity with the young doctors fighting for a cause."
Meanwhile, senior doctors at NRS Medical College are also considering a similar move to back their colleagues at RG Kar. The Joint Platform of Doctors, West Bengal, expressed support for the junior doctors demanding justice for the woman doctor's death and calling for reforms in the "corruption-ridden" healthcare system.
Despite the junior doctors' four-day hunger strike, no response has been received from authorities, the platform said in a statement. The platform also raised concerns about the deteriorating health of those on the hunger strike, stating that they are fighting for "campus democracy and a patient-friendly system."
At the time of this report, there were signs that senior doctors from other state-run medical colleges and hospitals might also consider resigning, which could further increase pressure on the state government.
Since Saturday evening, the junior doctors have been protesting in a unique way. While some have gone on a hunger strike, others have resumed their medical duties after halting their work stoppage. Initially, six junior doctors—three men and three women—began the hunger strike, and a seventh doctor joined them on Sunday evening.
Doctors Begin Indefinite Hunger Strike Over Trainee Doctor's Rape and Murder in Kolkata
