The stalemate between protesting doctors and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continues, with discussions yet to start at her residence due to a disagreement over the live-streaming of their meeting.
The doctors, who have been protesting since the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last month, insist on live-streaming the talks for transparency. However, CM Banerjee has refused, citing that the issue is currently under the Supreme Court’s purview.
“I am requesting, please come and talk as you had requested for today’s meeting. At least come and have tea with me,” Banerjee appealed, emphasizing that live-streaming could only happen after the Supreme Court’s permission. Despite the impasse, she urged the doctors to engage in dialogue, expressing her willingness to sign the minutes of the meeting.
The Protest and Banerjee’s Conciliatory Efforts
Earlier in the day, Mamata Banerjee visited the protest site in a bid to resolve the ongoing crisis. Addressing the doctors amid chants and slogans, she acknowledged their grievances, stating, “I have come here to salute your protests.” She also assured them of her commitment to justice for the trainee doctor, referred to as “Tilottama,” and urged the doctors to return to work, promising that their demands would be thoroughly considered.
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Banerjee expressed empathy for their situation, referencing her own history of protest. “I have also been part of student movements. I know my post is not a big deal; your voice is,” she stated, urging the doctors to end the protest for the sake of patients who have been suffering due to the disruption in medical services.
Main Points of Contention
The doctors have laid out five key demands, including:
– Holding all individuals responsible for the rape and murder accountable.
– Taking strict disciplinary action against former RG Kar Medical College Principal Sandip Ghosh.
– Resignation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam.
– Implementing adequate security measures for healthcare workers.
– Eliminating the ‘threat culture’ in government healthcare institutions.
A previous attempt for dialogue on Thursday fell through as the government did not agree to the doctors’ demand for live-streaming the discussions. Chief Minister Banerjee explained that live-streaming was not permissible since the matter was under the Supreme Court’s consideration. However, the doctors maintain that transparency is crucial to ensure the meeting’s integrity.
Mamata Banerjee’s Response
Mamata Banerjee apologized to the people of West Bengal for the inconvenience caused by the disruption in healthcare services. She stated her readiness to step down if it would resolve the crisis but also hinted at a potential “political color” to the protests. Despite her attempts to bridge the gap, the doctors remained steadfast in their demands for a transparent and live-broadcasted meeting.
“We welcome Mamata Banerjee’s visit. We are ready to hold talks with her. Media is present here. Let there be a transparent meeting with her over our five demands,” a protesting doctor stated, highlighting their insistence on accountability and transparency.
Current Status
As the deadlock persists, the doctors continue their sit-in outside Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the West Bengal health department. Banerjee’s latest appeal to the doctors remains unanswered, with the talks still on hold. The situation is further complicated by the Supreme Court’s involvement, as it had set a deadline of September 10 for the doctors to return to work.
