FeMA Writes to Mamata Banerjee Warning of Complete Ceasework if Junior Doctors’ Hunger Strike Leads to Casualties, IMA Supports Their "Just Demands"

The Federation of Medical Associations (FeMA), which represents all medical associations in Bengal, has issued an ultimatum to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday, threatening a complete ceasework across the state’s healthcare sector. FeMA warns that if any casualties occur among the junior doctors currently on a hunger strike, it will trigger widespread protests throughout West Bengal. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also urged Chief Minister Banerjee to address the concerns of junior doctors fasting in Kolkata, emphasizing that a safe working environment is essential, not optional.

FeMA expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government's response to the critical issues affecting healthcare workers. "We have realized that Mamata Banerjee is least interested in addressing the genuine demands of the West Bengal Junior Doctors," reads the letter.

Representing various specialized medical associations, FeMA highlighted the "increasing violence against healthcare professionals and inadequate hospital infrastructure." The ultimatum calls for immediate intervention from the Chief Minister’s office and engage in dialogue with the junior doctorson hunger strike, threatening a full ceasework in healthcare if demands are not met.

"No amount of vote bank or police force will be able stop that movement. We will make sure that this extreme step, that you are forcing us to take will be supported by every common man and even your own vote bank. It will soon be followed by similar action Pan India. Even Central Forces will not be sufficient to douse the flames", FeMA said .

In a letter to Banerjee, the IMA too pointed out that it has been nearly a week since the junior doctors began their hunger strike. "They deserve your immediate attention," read the letter. The IMA supports the "just demands" of the protesting doctors, urging the government to act swiftly.

"The Government of West Bengal is entirely capable of meeting all the demands Peaceful ambience and security are not a luxury. They are a prerequisite. We appeal to your goodself to settle the issues with the young generation doctors as an elder and the Head of the Government. The entire medical fraternity of India is concerned and trust you would be able to save their lives," wrote the IMA in its letter.

The junior doctors had resumed their duties after a 42-day ceasework but soon returned to a complete strike. Although the West Bengal Junior Doctor's Front officially withdrew their full strike, nine representatives began a hunger strike, declaring that their action would continue until the government meets their demands. They asserted that the government has not fulfilled promises to provide a safe and conducive working environment.

Key demands include justice for their late colleague, the removal of Health Secretary N S Nigam, and the formation of task forces to ensure essential provisions like CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms at their workplaces. The junior doctors have now been protesting for over five days, with one of the hunger strikers requiring hospitalization late Thursday night.​