Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made an emotional appeal to junior doctors currently on strike, urging them to return to their duties. This plea comes after the junior doctors cancelled a planned meeting with her at the last minute.
The junior doctors have been protesting for several weeks following the rape and murder of a colleague. They initially agreed to meet with the Chief Minister and state officials but insisted on live streaming the meeting. The state government declined this request, citing potential legal complications as the case is under judicial review.
Chief Minister Banerjee expressed her willingness to resign from her position if it would benefit the public and ensure justice for the victim, referred to as Tilottama. "I am ready to step down for the people's welfare, but I want justice for Tilottama and for people to receive proper medical care," Banerjee said.
Banerjee also noted that the Supreme Court had ordered the junior doctors to resume work by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, a deadline that had passed. While the government could invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act to compel the doctors to return, Banerjee opted against such measures, recalling her own experiences of leading protests during the Left Front's rule.
The junior doctors, however, remained firm on their demand for live streaming the meeting for transparency. They clarified that they were not seeking Banerjee’s resignation but wanted accountability from those impeding justice. They also requested measures to improve their safety and security in hospitals.
The Chief Minister reported that the strike had resulted in at least 27 patient deaths due to delayed medical care. Additionally, seven lakh outdoor patients and seventy thousand indoor patients had been affected, with over 7,000 surgeries postponed and 1,500 patients left untreated.
Banerjee expressed her regret that the issue had not been resolved sooner, stating, "I waited for three days for them to come, and despite their absence, I choose to forgive them as it is our responsibility to do so."
Despite the Supreme Court’s directive, the junior doctors continued their protest with a sit-in demonstration in front of the Department of Health headquarters. They called for the resignation of the state’s health secretary and police commissioner and demanded swift justice for the murdered medic.
The unrest began after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in early August. The case, initially handled by the Kolkata Police, is now being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The widespread protests, which have also drawn support from civil society, film and theater personalities, and various other groups, have put pressure on the ruling Trinamool Congress. Additionally, political parties like the BJP, CPI(M), and Congress have staged their own demonstrations, highlighting ongoing concerns about corruption in state medical institutions.
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