Doctors Meet West Bengal CM as Hospital Crisis Deepens

Junior doctors meet CM Mamata Banerjee at West Bengal secretariat to resolve protests over a colleague's alleged rape and murder. Disagreements persist over live streaming the talks. The delegation defied size limits, demanding transparency and improved security. The ongoing strike has significantly disrupted healthcare services in state-run hospitals.

In a significant development amidst ongoing protests, a delegation of 30 junior doctors arrived at the West Bengal state secretariat, Nabanna, for crucial talks with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The meeting, scheduled for 5 PM on Thursday, aims to resolve the impasse that has severely disrupted healthcare services in state-run hospitals.

The doctors, protesting the alleged rape and murder of a female colleague at RG Kar Medical College, defied the state government's directive to limit their delegation to 15 members. Arriving at 5:25 PM, the group was seen waiting outside the Nabanna Sabhaghar as they completed entry formalities.

A key point of contention remains the live streaming of the talks. The protesting doctors have insisted on this measure for transparency, a demand previously rejected by the state chief secretary. Instead, the government offered to record the proceedings, a compromise that has yet to satisfy the protesters.

Earlier in the day, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant had issued a fresh appeal for the doctors to attend the meeting, reiterating the government's stance on recording rather than live streaming.

The BJP has criticized the government's approach, with party IT cell head Amit Malviya expressing skepticism over the recording offer, citing concerns about evidence preservation in the original case.

Also Read: Kolkata Rape-Murder Victim's Mother Alleges Police 'Cover-Up,' Expresses Grief and Fear

The junior doctors' protest, centered outside the West Bengal Health Department's office in Salt Lake, has entered its second week. Their demands include enhanced security for female healthcare workers and the suspension of officials, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner, for alleged mishandling of the case.

As the meeting unfolds, the medical community and citizens alike await news of a resolution that could end the healthcare crisis gripping the state.