The fast-unto-death agitation by junior doctors over the rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital entered the 10th day on Monday. A crucial meeting of various doctors' associations and the West Bengal government is scheduled for the day to find a solution.
The number of junior doctors on hunger strike at the dais at Esplanade in central Kolkata has now come down to six as one more striking doctor, Pulastya Acharya, had to be rushed to hospital on Sunday night following a serious deterioration in his medical condition because of continuous fasting.
Acharya had been admitted to N.R.S. Medical College and Hospital, where he is himself attached as a junior doctor, at around 11 p.m. on Sunday, after he complained of severe stomach ache and vomiting tendencies, the two common symptoms of the adverse effects of continuous fasting.
Pulastya is the fourth junior doctor to be hospitalised following a deterioration in medical conditions, with the other three being Aniket Mahato of R.G. Kar, Anustup Mukhopadhyay of Calcutta Medical College & Hospital and Aloke Verma of North Bengal Medical College & Hospital at Siliguri in Darjeeling district.
A crucial meeting between the different doctors’ associations, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant has been scheduled on Monday at 12.30 pm at Swasthya Bhavan, the state health department headquarters at Salt Lake in the northern outskirts of Kolkata, to find out a solution to the ongoing impasse on this issue.
Meanwhile, the doctors attached to different private hospitals have started partial cease-work at their respective hospitals from 6 a.m. on Monday, which will continue till 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Only the emergency medical services in these private hospitals will be available during this period.
Meanwhile, medical reports of Acharya have suggested that his condition deteriorated on Sunday night because of an imbalance in sodium-potassium level and acid-base, some typical adverse effects of continuous fasting.
He continues to be under saline and the crisis is yet to be over, said a representative of West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF), the umbrella body of the junior doctors spearheading the movement in the rape and murder case.
Delhi Police, EC indulge in hooliganism against AAP, ignore BJP's misconduct: Kejriwal
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal sharply criticised the Delhi Police and the Election Commission on Tuesday for what he described as their biased and unprofessional behaviour in handling election-related issues claiming that they were indulging in "hooliganism" against the AAP and were covering the BJP's misconduct.
Delhi CM Atishi booked for violating MCC; her supporters for attacking police
The Delhi Police on Tuesday registered two cases - first against Chief Minister Atishi for violation of the Model Code of Conduct and another against her supporters for obstructing government work and attacking police.
UNGA President to visit India from today to deepen multilateral ties on global issues
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Philemon Yang is set to embark on an official visit to India from February 4 to February 8 at the invitation of the Government of India.
Light rainfall graces Delhi-NCR, brings down temperature, improves AQI
Delhi-NCR woke up to light rainfall on Tuesday morning, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting that showers will continue throughout the day.
Delhi Police on high alert ahead of Assembly elections, leads late-night patrolling
The South District Police conducted a late-night patrol, which was led by DCP Ankit Chauhan. The patrol was part of the ongoing efforts to ensure safety and prevent any untoward incidents during the election period.
Shutting USAID weakens US, helps adversaries: Democrats
They took aim at President Donald Trump’s adviser Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), who announced the decision on Monday, questioning his authority.
Govt continued development despite Covid & ethnic violence: Manipur CM
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Monday said that despite the state losing four-and-a-half-years to the COVID-19 pandemic and ethnic violence, the government has continued the developmental works in the state.
BAPS Hindu Mandir and cultural complex opens in South Africa’s Johannesburg
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in Northriding, Johannesburg officially opened its doors on Monday, following the sacred Pran Pratishtha ceremony, led by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the global spiritual leader of BAPS.