Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: ‘Security not a luxury…’, IMA writes fresh letter to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata doctor rape case: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) urged West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to ensure “peaceful ambience and security” of the medical fraternity, which, they said, was a “prerequisite and not a luxury.”

In the letter addressed to Mamata Banerjee on October 10, the IMA said that the ‘West Bengal government was completely capable’ of meeting the doctors' demands. The IMA's letter comes after Aniket Mahato, one of the doctors on hunger strike, was admitted to the ICU on Thursday night after his health deteriorated.

‘Almost a week…’

On October 9, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) announced a nationwide hunger strike, in solidarity with the ongoing protests over the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor in West Bengal.

“It is almost a week since the young doctors of Bengal are on a fast-unto-death struggle. Indian Medical Association supports their just demands. They deserve your immediate attention. The Government of West Bengal is entirely capable of meeting all the demands,” read IMA's letter.

India's medical fraternity witnessed a series of cease-work and protests by doctors, against the rape and murder of a female postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, on August 9. Junior doctors in West Bengal have been demanding basic amenities and proper steps to ensure security as well as better work conditions in government hospitals.

‘Not a luxury…’

“Peaceful ambience and security are not a luxury. They are a prerequisite. We appeal to your good self to settle the issues with the young generation doctors as an elder and the Head of the Government,” stated the letter.

The Indian Medical Association added that the “entire” Indian Medical Fraternity was “concerned” about the safety of doctors, and “trusts” that Mamata Banerjee would be able to “help them.” The IMA further offered help, stating " if the offices of the Indian Medical Association could be of any help we would gladly assist."