IMA to hold hunger strike in solidarity with RG Kar doctors

NEW DELHI: In support of the fast-unto-death agitation by junior doctors in West Bengal, seeking justice for the young doctor who was raped and murdered at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the Indian Medical Association on Sunday announced a nationwide hunger strike on Oct 15.
“Across the country, IMA Junior Doctors’ Network (JDN) will organise fasting on Tuesday.IMA JDN will coordinate with Resident Doctors Associations (RDAs) as well as support their local actions,” the IMA said in a statement. “Young doctors of Kolkata are on a fast-unto-death struggle for their legitimate demands. They are on their ninth day of fasting. Three of them have been hospitalised. The movement has the support of the people. IMA has appealed to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to accept their demands.”
IMA urged all office bearers and resident doctors in the country to join the fast.
On the condition of the fasting junior doctors, a leader of JDF said, “Their condition is worsening but the state administration remains unmoved.”
Meanwhile, a group of former R G Kar students reached the hospital for a “symbolic fasting” of 12 hours to express solidarity with the students on hunger strike. However, they faced resistance from CISF personnel. The ex-students, most of whom are senior citizens, said they would go ahead with symbolic fast.
Federation of All India Medical Associations (Faima) has also warned of a nationwide “complete shutdown of medical services” if any harm is caused to the protesting junior doctors.
(Inputs from agencies)