West Bengal Doctors Continue Strike for Justice

Junior doctors in West Bengal have been on a hunger strike since October 5, demanding justice for a colleague who was allegedly raped and murdered, and calling for systemic reforms in the state's healthcare. The protestors have agreed to meet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee without preconditions, but they refuse to end the strike prior to the meeting. Their demands include the removal of state health secretary N S Nigam, implementation of a centralized hospital referral system, and improved safety measures. Despite Banerjee's claim that most demands have been met, the strike continues, with a state-wide protest threatened if demands are unmet by October 21. The health of the striking doctors is deteriorating, with several already hospitalized. The outcome of the meeting with Banerjee will determine the future course of the protest.