The long-standing standoff between the West Bengal government and the junior doctors took a significant turn after a crucial two-hour meeting between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and representatives of the junior doctors. The meeting, held at the CM’s residence on Harish Chatterjee Street, ended with the government agreeing to all demands related to the development of hospital infrastructure. However, the junior doctors have decided to continue their protests for the time being.
Key Developments from the Meeting:
- Government Concessions: The West Bengal government accepted all hospital infrastructure-related demands made by the junior doctors, according to reports.
- Stenographers Present: Two stenographers accompanied the delegation of junior doctors to record the minutes of the meeting, which were allowed by the Chief Minister herself.
- No Mobile Phones: The junior doctors were not allowed to enter the meeting premises with their mobile phones, with security measures in place.
- High-Level Presence: The meeting was attended by top officials, including Acting DGP Rajeev Kumar, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, Home Secretary Nandini Chakravarty, and Health Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya.
- Green Corridor for Quick Arrival: Police pilot vehicles ensured the delegation’s quick arrival at the CM’s residence through a green corridor.
Junior Doctors’ Response:
Despite the government’s concessions, the junior doctors have opted not to withdraw their protests just yet. According to Dr. Sk Mehebub Hossain, junior resident doctor at Calcutta Medical College & Hospital, they will decide on the next course of action only after a General Body Meeting. If the outcome of the meeting does not meet their expectations, they are prepared to hold a press conference to announce further protests.
Further Course of Action:
The junior doctors have committed to submitting the missives exchanged with the state government to the Supreme Court’s three-member bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. The meeting minutes are being prepared, and the doctors are set to return to Swasthya Bhavan, awaiting further discussions on their demands.
This meeting marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing negotiations, with a resolution still dependent on the final decisions of the junior doctors after their internal discussions.