Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: In a dramatic escalation of their month-long protest, junior doctors in West Bengal rejected the state government’s invitation for talks, terming it “insulting.” The protest stems from the rape and murder of a fellow doctor, and the doctors are demanding the immediate resignation of several senior officials, including the city’s police chief.
The West Bengal government sent an email to the Junior Doctors’ Front, requesting a discussion to resolve the standoff. However, the doctors refused, citing that the email came from the Health Secretary, one of the officials whose resignation they are demanding.
“The email has come from the Health Secretary, and this is insulting for us,” a representative of the doctors said. They expressed frustration over the method of communication, stating, “We are near the Swastha Bhavan. What was the need to email us? He could have come to meet us directly.”
The doctors also rejected the proposal to send a small delegation for talks, emphasizing that their five demands must be addressed in full. These include the resignation of key figures like the state Health Secretary, the city police chief, the Director of Health Education, and the Director of Health Services.
Earlier today, the protesting doctors marched to the health secretariat, where they were invited to send representatives for discussions. However, they refused, insisting that their demands be met immediately. As the 5 pm deadline passed, the doctors began an indefinite sit-down protest outside the secretariat.
The protest intensified following a Supreme Court order that the doctors return to work by 5 pm. The court warned that if they failed to comply, the state would be permitted to take action against them. Despite the warning, the doctors stood firm, stating their demands must be fulfilled before they consider returning to work.
The protest has severely impacted healthcare services in the state, with the government claiming that over 20 people have died due to a lack of timely treatment during the strike. However, the doctors have dismissed these allegations, accusing the government of using scare tactics.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed her desire to resolve the impasse through dialogue rather than punitive action. As tensions rise, the state faces mounting pressure to address the doctors’ concerns while ensuring healthcare services resume.
