Kolkata: Protesting Doctors End Hunger Strike After Meeting West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

Protesting junior doctors in Kolkata on Monday announced to end their hunger strike after a two-hour meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The meeting between doctors and CM was held at the state secretariat Nabanna, and it was broadcast live.

After meeting the Chief Minister and getting assurance on safety, doctors announced to end their hunger strike after 16 days over the alleged rape and murder of a colleague at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Protest Background

The junior doctors began their protest on August 9, following the tragic incident involving their colleague. Initially, they engaged in a 'cease-work' protest which lasted nearly 50 days in two phases. On October 5, they escalated to a hunger strike demanding better working conditions and healthcare infrastructure improvements.

Despite ending the hunger strike, the doctors plan to continue their protest through other means. They have also called off a general medical strike that was previously announced. During the meeting with Mamata Banerjee, she urged them to end their fast as most of their demands had been addressed.

Demands and Responses

One of the contentious issues discussed was the removal of the state Health Secretary. The Chief Minister rejected this demand, stating that accusations require concrete proof. "You cannot call a person accused without any concrete proof," she said during the meeting.

Mamata Banerjee also questioned the suspension of several junior doctors and medical students at RG Kar Medical College without proper procedures. She criticised college authorities for taking such steps without informing the state government, calling it "a threat culture."

Promises To Doctors

The Chief Minister assured the junior doctors that their demands would be considered and encouraged them to persuade colleagues to resume duties. Despite these assurances, an agitating doctor argued that legally, someone can be called accused until proven guilty.

The protest has highlighted significant issues within the healthcare sector in West Bengal. As discussions continue, both sides aim to find solutions that address safety and working conditions for medical professionals while ensuring patient care is not disrupted.