Kolkata Doctors' Demands Fall on Deaf Ears as Mamata Govt Says 'No Discussion With Condition'

West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant said on Wednesday that the state government has struggled to receive a positive response from junior doctors protesting the RG Kar rape-murder case. Pant criticized the protesters' demands for specific terms and conditions for discussions, stating that such an approach hampers effective dialogue.

“We reached out to them today, requesting a meeting to share our plans, but their response was uncooperative,” Pant said at a press conference. “They have stipulated that 30 representatives must be present, which is not conducive to an open discussion. We hoped for a more collaborative approach, but their conditions make it challenging to move forward.”

The 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.