Mamata Banerjee Meets Junior Doctors Is It a Step Toward Resolution or Just a Political Game
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee meets junior doctors on Monday evening to address their ongoing protests. This meeting streamed live from the state secretariat Nabanna, focused on the doctors’ concerns, including the “threat culture” they say exists in state-run hospitals.
During the discussion, Banerjee urged the junior doctors to end their hunger strike, emphasizing that the state had already met many of their demands. She raised concerns about suspending several junior doctors and medical students at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, questioning the procedures used and whether the college authorities had the right to act without informing the state government.
One of the protesting doctors, Aniket Mahato, who was hospitalized after fasting for five days, countered Banerjee’s points. He argued that those suspended were part of the problem and suggested they didn’t deserve to be in the medical field, calling them “goons under the guise of students.”
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A tragic incident prompted the meeting in August, where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical Hospital. This has led to multiple protests, including two statewide cease-work actions and the current indefinite hunger strike that has lasted 17 days. The junior doctors demand justice for the victim and systemic changes in the state’s healthcare system.
The doctors have warned the West Bengal government that if they demand the removal of the state health secretary, N.S. Nigam, is not met, they will organize a nationwide strike on October 22. So far, six doctors on hunger strike have been hospitalized, while eight others continue their fast, seeking urgent action from the state government. Following the meeting, Chief Minister Banerjee promised to reconsider their demands.
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