'30-Member Delegation, Live Telecast': Doctors' Agree For Talks With Mamata But Conditions Apply

Kolkata: Amid the ongoing standoff between the government and the medical community, agitating junior doctors, on the 33rd day of their protest over the Kolkata rape and murder, outlined four key demands. One of these conditions included the mandatory presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during their talks with government representatives. For the unversed, West Bengal chief secretary had invited a delegation of protesting doctors for a meeting at Nabanna but said only 12 to 15 doctors will be allowed. 

“Once again, as another opportunity, we invite your delegation preferably consisting of 12-15 colleagues to join us for a discussion at 6 pm today, ie 11.09.2024, at Nabanna. A list of the members of your delegation may please be intimated by email,” a commonique from the state government read.

In their email to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requesting an appointment to address the ongoing protests, the doctors emphasised that the meeting should be conducted as an open-forum discussion broadcast live, rather than a closed-door session. They also called for swift justice for the woman doctor, an end to the "threat culture" pervasive in the government healthcare sector, and improved safety and security measures for all women healthcare professionals. The doctors, who have been protesting outside Swasthya Bhawan against Abhaya rape-murder, are seeking action against those responsible for the crime, those implicated in an alleged cover-up, and the resignation of high-ranking officials, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner and the Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam.  

Doctors'  4 Demands From The Bengal Govt

• Representation by a Delegate Team: Doctors demand to send a team of at least 30 representatives for the meeting.
• Live Telecast of the Meeting: Doctors insist on a live broadcast for the sake of transparency. They want the general public and all stakeholders to have a clear understanding of the discussions, decisions, and any agreements reached.
• Meeting Based on 5-Point Demands: The core focus of the meeting should be centred around the five key demands that the doctors have previously outlined.
• Presence of the Chief Minister: Doctors want the Chief Minister to be present at the meeting.  

Earlier, the state government had reached out to the protesters, inviting them for a meeting at the state secretariat, Nabanna, to discuss a resolution. However, the doctors dismissed this invitation as "insulting" because it came from the state health secretary, whose resignation they are demanding. They also objected to the government's decision to limit the number of attendees to 10.

The doctors are currently defying a Supreme Court order requiring them to return to work by 5 pm on September 10. The Court had instructed the doctors to resume their duties and directed the state government not to take punitive action against them.

The protesting doctors have stated that they will not resume work until their demands are addressed. They have set up shelters, provided fans, food, and water, signaling their intention to continue the protests until their conditions are met.

In addition to demanding the resignation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and senior health officials, the doctors are calling for improved working conditions for healthcare staff in the state’s hospitals.

The protest, which has spread across Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal, was sparked by the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor in a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.