A junior doctor at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, Anustup Mukhopadhyay, has been admitted to the critical care unit after his health condition worsened during a hunger strike against the rape and murder of a fellow doctor. His blood pressure is alarmingly low and he is experiencing acute drowsiness and high pulse rate, indicating the presence of ketone bodies in his urine. This comes after another junior doctor, Aniket Mahato, was also hospitalized due to a hunger strike. In response, doctors from private hospitals in West Bengal have announced a 48-hour partial cease-work starting Monday.
Hunger Strike by Resident Doctors in West Bengal: A Grim Reminder of Healthcare Woes
Background
The recent hunger strike by resident doctors in West Bengal stems from the horrific rape and murder of a female doctor at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri. The incident, which occurred on January 30, 2023, sparked nationwide outrage and highlighted the rampant violence faced by healthcare professionals in the country.
Current Situation
In protest against the heinous crime, junior doctors at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, one of the largest medical institutions in Kolkata, launched a hunger strike on February 1. The strike has since spread to other government hospitals in West Bengal, with doctors demanding justice for the victim and improved safety measures for healthcare professionals.
Two junior doctors, Anustup Mukhopadhyay and Aniket Mahato, have been hospitalized due to severe health complications arising from the hunger strike. Mukhopadhyay has been admitted to the critical care unit with alarmingly low blood pressure, drowsiness, and ketone bodies in his urine.
Response from Private Hospitals
In solidarity with the protesting doctors, private hospitals in West Bengal have announced a 48-hour partial cease-work commencing on Monday, February 6. This move is expected to impact healthcare services in the private sector and put further pressure on the government to address the concerns raised by the resident doctors.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What are the demands of the protesting doctors?
The doctors are demanding justice for the murdered doctor, improved safety measures for healthcare professionals, and an impartial investigation into the incident.
2. Why is the hunger strike necessary?
The doctors believe that the government has not taken adequate steps to address their concerns and ensure the safety of healthcare workers. The hunger strike is a desperate measure to force the government to take action.
3. What are the potential consequences of the hunger strike?
The hunger strike can have severe health consequences for the participating doctors, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and organ damage.
4. What is the government's response to the strike?
The government has expressed sympathy for the protesting doctors but has not yet met their demands. It has promised to investigate the incident and take appropriate action, but details are lacking.
5. What can be done to prevent similar incidents in the future?
To prevent similar incidents, there needs to be a comprehensive approach that includes improving security measures at hospitals, raising awareness about violence against healthcare professionals, and enacting stricter laws to deter such crimes.
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