Junior doctors in Kolkata ended their 17-day hunger strike after a two-hour meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on October 21, 2024. The protest was sparked by the rape and murder of a colleague at RG Kar Medical College. While the doctors withdrew their immediate strike plans, they vowed to continue advocating for safety and justice in medical institutions. Banerjee addressed several demands but rejected the call for the removal of the state health secretary, prompting mixed reactions from the protesting doctors.

Meeting Provides Mixed Outcomes

The meeting between junior doctors and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took place at the state secretariat, Nabanna, and was streamed live, marking a significant moment in their ongoing protest. Banerjee assured the doctors that many of their concerns regarding safety and working conditions would be addressed, yet she firmly declined to remove Health Secretary N.S. Nigam from his position. Doctors like Asfaqulla Naiya expressed gratitude for public support but emphasized that their fight for justice would persist despite ending the hunger strike. They highlighted the need for systemic changes within medical colleges to prevent a culture of threats and misconduct.

Background of Protests

The protests began following the tragic incident involving a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in August 2024. This led to widespread unrest among medical professionals, culminating in nearly 50 days of cease-work before escalating to a hunger strike on October 5. During this period, the junior doctors demanded better infrastructure, safety protocols, and accountability within the healthcare system. Their actions garnered significant public attention and support, reflecting broader concerns about safety in medical environments.

Major Developments of Kolkata Doctors Protest

1. 21 October – Junior Doctors End Hunger Strike After Meeting with CM
   Junior doctors in Kolkata concluded their 17-day hunger strike after a two-hour meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The decision was influenced by appeals from the parents of the deceased colleague and public support. Although they withdrew their immediate protest, they affirmed their commitment to continue advocating for justice and systemic changes in healthcare.
2. 19 October – Deadline Set for Government Action
   The junior doctors threatened a state-wide strike if their demands were not met by October 21. This ultimatum came as tensions escalated following nearly two months of protests sparked by the rape and murder of a colleague at RG Kar Hospital. The doctors expressed frustration over the government’s inaction regarding their demands for safety and justice.
3. 15 October – Hunger Strike Enters 11th Day Amidst Health Concerns
   As the hunger strike continued into its 11th day, two more doctors fell ill, highlighting the deteriorating health conditions of the protesters. A meeting between representatives from various doctors’ associations and government officials ended without resolution, further intensifying the unrest among medical professionals.
4. 14 October – Rally Held for Justice
   In a show of solidarity, junior doctors organized a rally to Raj Bhawan, demanding a swift investigation into the alleged rape-murder case. They submitted a memorandum to the governor’s secretary, reiterating their call for justice and improved security measures within medical institutions.
5. 12 October – Health Secretary’s Removal Demanded
   Protesters intensified their demands for the removal of Health Secretary N.S. Nigam, citing evidence of corruption in medical institutions. The junior doctors insisted on accountability and transparency from the government while continuing their hunger strike.
6. 10 October – Public Support Grows
   Public demonstrations in support of the junior doctors gained momentum, with citizens rallying behind their cause for justice and better working conditions. The solidarity highlighted widespread concern over safety in healthcare settings.
7. 8 October – Government Response to Protests
   The West Bengal government acknowledged the ongoing protests but maintained that some demands required further administrative consideration. Officials urged doctors to call off planned demonstrations, emphasizing ongoing discussions.
8. 5 October – Hunger Strike Commences
   The junior doctors initiated a hunger strike on October 5, following nearly 50 days of cease work protests that began after the tragic incident at RG Kar Hospital on August 9. Their actions aimed to draw attention to safety issues within medical institutions.
9. September 16 – Previous Meeting with CM
   Prior to the hunger strike, junior doctors had met with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on September 16, where they temporarily suspended their cease work protest after assurances were made regarding their demands.
10. August 9 – Incident Sparks Protests
    The protests were ignited by the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024. This shocking incident prompted widespread outrage and mobilization among medical professionals across West Bengal.

Also read: Kolkata Doctors’ Protests: 10 Major Developments In The Past 2 Weeks