Mamata Banerjee Reviews Healthcare Infrastructure Upgradation Amid Protests in West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee convened a meeting on Thursday evening with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Health Secretary NS Nigam at her Kalighat residence. The discussion focused on enhancing healthcare infrastructure, according to a reliable source. During the 45-minute meeting, Banerjee sought updates on security measures at state-run medical colleges and hospitals.

The Chief Minister requested information on the progress of safety and security upgrades at various hospitals. She provided specific instructions to the chief secretary and health secretary, as per the source. Following this meeting, the chief secretary scheduled a gathering with principals and MSVPs of all state-run hospitals for Friday at the state secretariat Nabanna.

Security Concerns in West Bengal Hospitals

The state has been in turmoil after the rape and murder of a woman doctor on duty at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Junior doctors have been protesting since October 5, demanding justice for the victim and improvements in hospital security infrastructure across West Bengal.

These junior medics are also calling for the immediate removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam. Their demands include establishing a centralised referral system for all hospitals and medical colleges in the state. They also want a bed vacancy monitoring system implemented.

Demands for Improved Healthcare Infrastructure

The junior doctors' demands extend to forming task forces to ensure essential provisions like CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms at their workplaces. They are also asking for increased police protection in hospitals, recruitment of permanent women police personnel, and quick filling of vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.

The junior doctors initiated a cease work protest following the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. They ended their protest after 42 days on September 21, following assurances from the state government that their demands would be addressed.

Efforts to enhance security and infrastructure in West Bengal's healthcare facilities continue as authorities work towards addressing these pressing issues. The recent meetings highlight the state's commitment to improving conditions in medical establishments.