Kolkata doctor case: ’LIVE telecast, Mamata’s presence,’ protesting medics set conditions for meet with Bengal govt

Junior doctors in West Bengal are protesting for over a month, seeking a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to address concerns over a colleague's tragic death. They require a live broadcast of the talks and a larger delegation, highlighting demands for justice and improved safety measures.

Livemint
Published11 Sep 2024, 07:29 PM IST
Hundreds of doctors under the banner of West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front (WBJDF) banner marched towards Swasthya Bhavan demanding justice for the rape-murder victim at RG Kar Hospital in Salt Lake
Hundreds of doctors under the banner of West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF) banner marched towards Swasthya Bhavan demanding justice for the rape-murder victim at RG Kar Hospital in Salt Lake(HT_PRINT)

As the West Bengal government invites the protesting junior doctors for a meeting to resolve the standoff which has now continued for over a month, the doctors on Wednesday insisted that the discussion be held in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. They have also demanded a live broadcast of the meeting.

The doctors have been protesting the alleged rape and murder of the 31-year-old post-graduate intern doctor on 9 August 2024 at the RG Kar hospital. They have been on a cease work for over a month now.

The state government had sent the doctors an invitation for a discussion at the state secretariat, Nabanna, at 6 pm today. The invite was sent via email at 3:49 am today itself.

Also Read | Kolkata doctor rape case: Protesting medics mail Mamata for meeting ‘anytime’

Chief Secretary Manoj Pant urged the doctors to send a delegation of 12 to 15 members to the meeting and indicated that a positive response would be appreciated.

The invitation did not confirm whether Mamata Banerjee would be present at the meeting.

Pant's letter also addressed the doctors' defiance of a Supreme Court order to resume duties by 5 pm on Tuesday.

Also Read | Kolkata rape-murder: ‘Prove innocence’, RG Kar hospital notifies 51 doctors

"You will, no doubt, appreciate and agree that as a law-abiding citizen, it is everyone's bounden duty to adhere to these directions. Unfortunately, it has not been adhered to so far," Pant wrote.

He added that the state government hoped the doctors would return to work and provide necessary care to the public.

Despite the invitation, the junior doctors set few pre-conditions for talks.

Also Read | Kolkata rape-murder case: Doctors’ cease work to continue despite SC’s deadline

"There are several points that need to be discussed before we decide whether to accept the invitation to Nabanna or not," one of the doctors said.

Around 5:23 PM, the agitating doctors said the delegation must include at least 30 representatives as several medical colleges and hospitals are involved in the agitation.

"We want the discussion to be held in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and be telecast live. We want at least 30 representatives as this movement is spread across various medical colleges and hospitals," a member of the junior doctors' forum said at a press conference.

The doctors said even if they go to the meeting, "they will attend it without any pre-conclusion."

Also Read | RG Kar rape-murder: BJP, victim’s parents slam Bengal’s CM’s ‘Durga Puja’ call

"If we attend the meeting, we will come back and discuss it with our friends and then announce our decision," the junior doctor said.

In a separate communication earlier in the day, the agitating doctors reached out to Banerjee, requesting a meeting that could be held "anytime and anywhere," provided it is streamed live.

The doctors have been protesting outside Swathya Bhavan, the state health department headquarters, demanding the removal of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, the state health secretary, the director of health education, and the director of health services.

They also called for enhanced security measures for women health professionals and the suspension of Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Hospital, along with others allegedly involved in tampering with evidence.

The protest has entered its 33rd day as the doctors continue to demand justice for Abhaya, the postgraduate trainee whose body was discovered at RG Kar Hospital on August 9.

A civic volunteer was arrested the following day in connection with the case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is conducting the probe under a Calcutta High Court order.

The junior doctors have emphasised the need for transparency in the ongoing investigation and have called for better security measures in hospitals and government healthcare centres. They have also demanded a more democratic representation in official bodies to address the threats and issues faced by healthcare professionals.

As the situation remains tense, all eyes are on the state government and the medical community to see if a resolution can be reached through the proposed dialogue.

Catch all the Business News , Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.

MoreLess
First Published:11 Sep 2024, 07:29 PM IST
Business NewsNewsIndiaKolkata doctor case: ’LIVE telecast, Mamata’s presence,’ protesting medics set conditions for meet with Bengal govt

Get Instant Loan up to ₹10 Lakh!

  • Employment Type

    Most Active Stocks

    Tata Steel share price

    164.50
    11:22 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    -2.25 (-1.35%)

    Bharat Electronics share price

    269.50
    11:22 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    -7.7 (-2.78%)

    Tata Power share price

    445.35
    11:22 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    -21.35 (-4.57%)

    Dabur India share price

    562.65
    11:22 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    -9.5 (-1.66%)
    More Active Stocks

    Market Snapshot

    • Top Gainers
    • Top Losers
    • 52 Week High

    Coforge share price

    7,138.30
    11:09 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    15.15 (0.21%)

    Vijaya Diagnostic Centre share price

    984.05
    11:09 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    -4.9 (-0.5%)

    Dr. Lal Pathlabs share price

    3,423.75
    11:09 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    -70.5 (-2.02%)
    More from 52 Week High

    Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation share price

    2,523.50
    11:10 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    -241.75 (-8.74%)

    Jubilant Ingrevia share price

    725.00
    11:10 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    -69.25 (-8.72%)

    Triveni Engineering & Indus share price

    424.90
    11:10 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    -37.5 (-8.11%)

    Vodafone Idea share price

    9.01
    11:10 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    -0.79 (-8.06%)
    More from Top Losers

    Finolex Industries share price

    282.65
    11:10 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    11 (4.05%)

    Astrazeneca Pharma India share price

    7,649.80
    11:10 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    217.3 (2.92%)

    Macrotech Developers share price

    1,204.00
    11:09 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    32.15 (2.74%)

    JK Lakshmi Cement share price

    798.85
    11:10 AM | 7 OCT 2024
    18.45 (2.36%)
    More from Top Gainers

    Recommended For You

      More Recommendations

      Gold Prices

      • 24K
      • 22K
      Bangalore
      77,675.00-10.00
      Chennai
      77,681.00-10.00
      Delhi
      77,833.00-10.00
      Kolkata
      77,685.00-10.00

      Fuel Price

      • Petrol
      • Diesel
      Bangalore
      102.86/L0.00
      Chennai
      100.75/L0.00
      Kolkata
      104.95/L0.00
      New Delhi
      94.72/L0.00

      Popular in News

        HomeMarketsPremiumInstant LoanMint Shorts