Junior doctors protesting the brutal rape and murder of their 31 year old colleague at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have expressed their willingness to engage in talks with the state government, but on their terms.
The doctors have demanded a delegation of 25-35 members, rather than the 10 proposed by the government, and seek an official invitation through proper channels. They are open to discussions at any location, including Nabanna, and have vowed to continue their overnight protest near Swasthya Bhawan until their demands are met, The Indian Express reported.
Defying the Supreme Court’s order to return to work by Tuesday evening, junior doctors in West Bengal have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met and justice is served. On Monday, the Supreme Court warned that ongoing abstention from work could result in serious repercussions.
On Tuesday, the state government announced that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had invited the protesters to a meeting at the secretariat to address the ongoing issue. However, the doctors dismissed this invitation as “insulting,” since it came from the state health secretary, whose resignation they have been demanding.
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The junior doctors, who have been on strike since the August 9 incident, are advocating for the removal of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and several senior state health officials. They have expressed frustration with the government’s restriction on the number of representatives allowed at the meeting with the chief minister.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will convene a meeting on Thursday to review the state’s health facilities and discuss improvements in safety, security, and patient services, following the rape and murder incident at R G Kar Hospital.
The meeting is scheduled for 1 pm at the state secretariat, Nabanna Sabhaghar. Invitations have been sent to the principals, directors, and Medical Superintendent cum Vice-Principals (MSVPs) of all medical colleges and hospitals in the state, as well as all Commissioners of Police, District Magistrates, and Chief Medical Officers of Health (CMOH) from each district.
The official notice reads, “This is to inform you that Chief Minister, West Bengal shall hold a meeting on the subject mentioned above from Nabanna Sabhaghar on 12 September, 2024 at 1.00. You are requested to attend the meeting physically or in virtual mode along with the officers as per the enclosed list. This is for your kind information and taking necessary action.”