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In Kolkata, junior doctors protesting outside Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the health department, have expressed their appreciation for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's unexpected visit to their protest site. The visit, which took place on Saturday, marked a pivotal moment in their ongoing strike, which has been demanding action following the rape and murder of a fellow doctor from RG Kar Medical College.
In Kolkata, junior doctors protesting outside Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the health department, have expressed their appreciation for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s unexpected visit to their protest site. The visit, which took place on Saturday, marked a pivotal moment in their ongoing strike, which has been demanding action following the rape and murder of a fellow doctor from RG Kar Medical College.
The junior doctors, who have been on strike for over a month, welcomed Banerjee’s surprise appearance. Dr. Arif, a representative of the protestors, conveyed their gratitude and eagerness to engage in discussions. “We are pleased that the door for dialogue has been opened from both sides,” Dr. Arif stated. The doctors have since reached out to the Chief Minister’s office via email, expressing their readiness to discuss their five-point demand list with Banerjee.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the state government has invited the junior doctors to a meeting at Mamata Banerjee’s residence, scheduled for 6 pm on Saturday. Chief Secretary Manoj Pant confirmed that 15 representatives from the protesting doctors would participate in the discussions. The talks are anticipated to address the doctors’ key concerns, particularly those related to security and the investigation into the violent incident that triggered the protests.
During her visit, Banerjee addressed the assembled doctors with a personal touch, stating, “I came to meet you as your ‘didi’ (elder sister), not just as the chief minister.” She assured them that their demands would be reviewed and action would be taken against anyone found culpable. Banerjee acknowledged the doctors’ struggles, remarking on the prolonged nature of their protest and the personal toll it had taken on her as well.
The ongoing protests have had a significant impact on public healthcare services in the state, with reports indicating that 29 deaths may have occurred due to delayed medical treatment caused by the strike. With the government now extending an invitation for a direct dialogue, there is hope on both sides for a resolution that could end the disruptive impasse and restore normalcy to the state’s medical services.
