Supporting Junior Doctors in West Bengal

Supporting junior doctors in West Bengal Region, India
Message from the Junior Doctors Network (JDN) of the World Medical Association (WMA)
October 2024
The JDN of the WMA stands in solidarity with our colleagues in West Bengal, India, who have
begun an indefinite hunger strike. This protest, now in its 15th day, highlights the ongoing
demands for justice following the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at
the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on 9th
of August 2024. The demands for better
safety, accountability and infrastructure within the healthcare system reflect not only the need
for immediate safety improvements, but also for systemic reform that ensures the protection
and dignity of all healthcare workers.
In the previous JDN message of support of Indian and Nigerian Junior Doctors, the JDN
unequivocally condemned acts of violence against health workers, especially women. We
reiterate this condemnation in light of the recent incident in West Bengal and emphasise our
call for zero tolerance of violence in any form against doctors. The junior doctors’ demand for
a transparent investigation, enhanced security measures and infrastructure improvements is
crucial to ensure a safe working environment for health professionals.
As the hunger strike continues, we urge the West Bengal government to engage constructively
with the doctors’ representatives and prioritise the urgent resolution of this situation to prevent
further harm. We join calls for the immediate attention of local and national authorities to the
deteriorating health of the protesting doctors and to respond to their demands with the urgency
they deserve.
The WMA and its JDN remain committed to the safety and security of health workers
worldwide, and we reaffirm our support for our colleagues in India at this critical time. Together
we stand against violence and for the protection of health workers everywhere.