Kolkata Junior Doctors End Hunger Strike

Junior doctors in Kolkata ended their 17-day hunger strike following a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who assured them that most of their demands regarding safety and healthcare conditions would be addressed. The strike was initiated in response to the rape and murder of a colleague at RG Kar Medical College, which had severely disrupted medical services, decreasing patient footfall by more than half. Despite the cessation of the hunger strike, doctors emphasized that their movement for justice and improved healthcare would continue, particularly highlighting the ongoing threat culture within state-run hospitals. The Chief Minister acknowledged the need for reforms but refused to remove the State Health Secretary as demanded. A state-level task force is set to be established to oversee grievances related to medical institutions, aimed at improving the situation by March 2025. The junior doctors' decision to halt the strike was also influenced by a request from the victim's parents, expressing concern for the health of the fasting doctors.