Resolving RG Kar Hospital Standoff: Updates on Bengal Govt-Medics Meeting
Amidst the ongoing standoff between the West Bengal government officials and the agitating junior doctors at RG Kar Hospital, efforts are being made to find a resolution to the impasse. Following four unsuccessful attempts to initiate dialogue, a delegation of around 30 agitating junior doctors arrived at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence on Monday evening for crucial talks.
The junior doctors, escorted by a pilot police vehicle, submitted a memorandum to the CM outlining their demands. This meeting comes after previous attempts to resolve the issue hit a roadblock due to the state government’s initial rejection of the doctors’ demand for live-streaming and video recordings of the discussion.
In a significant development, the agitating medics have now agreed to a compromise, requesting only to record the minutes of the meeting and receive a signed copy. The state government has accepted this condition, with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant confirming that both parties will sign the minutes of the meeting and share copies for clarity. Additionally, the government has allowed two stenographers, accompanying the agitating doctors, inside the venue to record the minutes of the meeting.
Despite these positive steps towards finding a resolution, the agitating doctors remain firm in their demands. One doctor present at the meeting emphasized the importance of addressing all issues without compromising on their five key demands.
Meanwhile, the doctors have continued their sit-in outside Swasthya Bhawan, the Health Department headquarters, for eight days, and the ‘cease work’ has extended to the 36th day. Their main demands include seeking justice for the doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Hospital, as well as the removal of the Kolkata Police Commissioner and senior state health officials.
Earlier in the day, the state government made a final attempt to invite the protesting doctors for talks to end the impasse. This invitation came two days after a previous dialogue failed to materialize due to disagreements over live-streaming of the meeting. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had visited the protest site on Saturday, assuring the doctors that their demands would be addressed.
However, the proposed meeting on Monday faced challenges when the protesters alleged they were asked to leave “unceremoniously” after waiting for three hours at the CM’s residence. Despite these setbacks, both parties remain committed to finding a resolution to the ongoing crisis at RG Kar Hospital.
Subheadings:
Challenges in Initiating Dialogue
Agreement on Recording Meeting Minutes
Agitating Doctors Maintain Firm Stance
As the discussions continue between the West Bengal government officials and the agitating junior doctors, the focus remains on finding a mutually acceptable solution to the RG Kar Hospital standoff. The willingness of both parties to engage in dialogue and seek common ground is a positive step towards resolving the impasse and addressing the concerns of the medical fraternity in the state.