Tue Oct 15 04:40:00 UTC 2024: ## TMC MP Sparks Outrage With Criticism of Doctor’s Hunger Strike
**Kolkata, October 8, 2024:** TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee has ignited controversy with his remarks criticizing the hunger strike undertaken by doctors protesting the horrific rape and murder of a junior doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. Banerjee dismissed the strike as a publicity stunt, claiming the doctors lack the resolve to commit to a genuine fast-unto-death.
The MP’s statement comes as two protesting doctors were hospitalized on Monday, their health deteriorating due to the prolonged strike. Banerjee questioned the timing of the strike, claiming it conveniently ends with hospitalization, and accused the doctors of seeking media attention.
“What kind of hunger strike is this? It starts at the protest venue and ends once they get hospitalised. The hunger strike that we know is a fast-unto-death, not a fast-unto-hospitalisation,” Banerjee stated.
The protesting doctors, however, remain adamant in their demands for improved safety and security measures at hospitals, including the immediate sacking of the state health secretary, N.S. Nigam, who is alleged to have mishandled the initial investigation into the murder case.
A meeting between doctors’ representatives and state officials failed to yield any concrete results. While the government claims to have addressed seven of the ten demands, the doctors are pushing for a specific timeline for the implementation of the remaining three.
The strike, which began on October 5th, is a continuation of the doctors’ protest against the brutal attack, initially marked by a 50-day ‘cease work’ action. The Junior Doctors’ Association is demanding justice for their colleague and concrete steps to prevent future tragedies.
Banerjee’s insensitive remarks have been met with outrage from the medical community, who view them as an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of their struggle for safety and accountability. The situation remains tense, with the doctors vowing to continue their protest until their demands are met.
First Piper 