'No Live Telecast, Delegation Team of 15 Allowed': Govt's Fresh Meeting Call for Protesting Doctors

Kolkata: After the government turned down the agitating doctors and thus refused to meet them, a fresh letter has been sent to them by the Bengal Chief Secretary, calling them for a meeting today. It has been a month since the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata and despite the orders of the Supreme Court, the doctors continue with their protests, demanding Justice for Abhaya.

Bengal Govt Calls for Another Meeting with Agitating Doctors

A delegation of protesting doctors had agreed to meet CM Mamata but had put forth some preconditions for the talks which were turned down by the West Bengal government; following this, the doctors did not go to meet Mamata and continued with their protests. In a latest development, the Bengal Chief Secretary has written a letter to the agitating doctors, calling them for a meeting again.

Bengal Chief Secretary Writes Fresh Letter to Protesting Doctors

In the letter written to the doctors, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant has invited the protesting junior doctors for a meeting with CM Mamata Banerjee at 5 pm today. However, the letter specifies that only 15 persons will be able to attend the meeting and that the meeting will not be telecasted live, but can be recorded at their (doctors) end.

The letter reads, "Dear Junior Doctors. I am in receipt of your email dated 11 September 2024. I would like to reiterate that while the State Government is open to meeting the delegates to ensure smooth functioning of the healthcare infrastructure in the State, the same cannot be in any manner contrary to the directions passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court for resumption of work, as such directions bind the State. The State Government is always willing to engage in a dialogue with the concerned stakeholders. You are aware that for a meaningful dialogue with your delegation, Hon'ble Chief Minister waited for your positive response on last two consecutive days. We would like to continue to engage with you and have a dialogue, and in this regard this is informed that:

• The proposed meeting for restoration of normalcy to ensure treatment and health services to the common people shall be held at 5 pm today (12/09/2024) in the conference hall at Nabanna.
• The meeting shall be attended by a delegate team of only 15 persons to ensure a smooth discussion.
• The meeting shall not be live telecasted. However, the same can be recorded to maintain transparency. This will serve the purpose intended from your end, while also maintaining the sanctity of the proceedings, ensuring that all discussions are accurately documented.

We look forward to your positive response and are committed to working together to benefit the innumerable patients dependent on the Government health infrastructure in the State. Hon'ble Chief Minister will be happy to meet you today. It is requested that the delegates reach Nabanna by 4:45 pm. Please send a list of the members of your delegation by return email."

First Meeting Refused by Mamata Govt

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. 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. Turning down the demands of the doctors, the Mamata government refused meeting with conditions.

Justice for Abhaya: Doctors Put Forth Demands to Meet Mamata

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 four demands of the protesting doctors were…

1. Representation by a Delegate Team: Doctors demand to send a team of at least 30 representatives for the meeting.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Presence of the Chief Minister: Doctors want the Chief Minister to be present at the meeting.