Junior doctors in India’s eastern city of Kolkata on Monday called off a 17-day-old hunger strike launched in protest against the rape and murder of a colleague, in response to an appeal by the victim’s parents.
Protesters also met the chief minister of the opposition-led state, which has drawn scrutiny for its handling of sex crimes, to press their demand for better security and conditions at government hospitals, as well as justice for the woman.
A police volunteer was arrested for the crime, which sparked nationwide protests in August and last month, after the woman’s body was found at the city’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital on Aug. 9.
Photo: EPA-EFE
“They [the victim’s parents] expressed their worries about the fasting junior doctors’ health, as well as the defunct healthcare services that must have affected hundreds of ordinary citizens,” said Debasish Halder, a spokesman for the doctors.
Some strike participants suffered severe dehydration and had to be admitted to hospital.
The doctors said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee agreed to most of their demands when she met them on Monday.
“Our movement for justice and a healthy, secure healthcare system will continue,” Halder said, adding that the doctors would track the progress of her assurances and orders for change.
Government hospitals across India lack basic amenities such as restrooms for doctors, security personnel and closed circuit television cameras, doctors say.
The Indian Supreme Court also took up the matter, but junior doctors say its efforts have not been sufficient to ensure justice.
India adopted tougher laws to protect women after the horrific gang rape and murder of a woman in the capital, New Delhi, in 2012, but activists say women are still prey to sexual violence.
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