West Bengal will go on complete medical ceasework if any junior doctor on hunger strike suffers casualty: FeMA

NEW DELHI: The Federation of Medical Associations (FeMA), which represents all medical associations in Bengal, has issued an ultimatum of a complete ceasework to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. According to FeMA, if any casualty occurs among the junior doctors who are "Fasting unto Death," it will ignite a massive, uncontrollable protest across the state.

This would act as the final spark, leading to a complete medical cease-work in West Bengal, involving all doctors and the medical community. "We have realised that Mamata Banerjee is least interested in addressing the genuine demands of the West Bengal Junior Doctors", FeMA stated.

The junior doctors, agitating over the rape and murder of their colleague at the RG Kar hospital, continued their fast unto death for the fifth day on Thursday amid the Durga Puja festivities across West Bengal. At 2.30 pm, the fast by the nine junior doctors of various medical colleges entered its 113th hour.

FeMA, which includes various specialised medical associations across the state, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of critical issues, particularly the safety and welfare of healthcare workers.

“No Force Can Stop Us,” FeMA announces

Doctors and healthcare professionals have repeatedly raised alarms over the deteriorating situation, citing increased incidents of violence against them, inadequate infrastructure in hospitals, and the lack of adequate support from the administration in addressing these concerns.

"No amount of vote bank or police force will be able stop that movement. We will make sure that this extreme step, that you are forcing us to take will be supported by every common man and even your own vote bank. It will soon be followed by similar action Pan India. Even Central Forces will not be sufficient to douse the flames", FeMA said .

In the wake of several violent incidents targeting doctors in public hospitals, FeMA had earlier submitted multiple representations to the government, demanding swift and effective measures to ensure their protection. However, with no substantial action forthcoming, the federation has decided to take a strong stance. The ultimatum, which demands immediate intervention from the Chief Minister’s office, threatens a complete statewide ceasework in the healthcare sector if the demands are not met.

While emergency services are likely to be exempted from the strike, routine medical operations, outpatient services, and elective surgeries are expected to come to a halt.

Doctors criticise police for arrests during peaceful protests

The medical community criticised the police for detaining their fellow doctors and several young protesters who were distributing leaflets outside Durga Puja pandals in the city. They vowed to provide full legal support to those arrested. When the detainees were brought before the Alipore court in the afternoon, a group of doctors protested by raising slogans against the police, accusing them of filing false charges to disrupt a peaceful demonstration.

Even as Durga Puja celebrations thrived across the city on Saptami, a considerable crowd gathered at the Dorina Crossing protest site to show solidarity with the doctors. A doctor’s father, whose child was on a hunger strike, told PTI, “Although we are concerned for their health, we stand with them for a greater cause. The issue could be resolved in just 10 minutes if the state government agrees to their demands.”

Throughout the day, senior doctors also joined their junior colleagues in protest, further strengthening the demonstration.