Junior doctors in West Bengal are set to meet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the second time on Monday at Nabanna at 5 PM, as the healthcare crisis continues. Despite multiple requests from the CM to withdraw their hunger strike, the doctors have refused to back down. An email invitation for the meeting was sent by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to the protesting doctors. However, they have made it clear that they will attend the meeting without withdrawing their protest or agreeing to any conditions.
The meeting is a high-stakes effort to resolve the deadlock that has affected medical services across the state. The junior doctors have warned that if their demands are not met, the hunger strike will continue, and they will go ahead with their planned healthcare strike on Tuesday. The entire state is anxiously waiting to see if the talks will finally break the stalemate.
Junior Doctors’ Stand:
On Sunday, the junior doctors held a lengthy internal meeting at NRS Medical College and Hospital. After the meeting, their representative Debashis Halder confirmed that the doctors will attend the discussion with the CM. However, they will not call off their hunger strike.
The CM had requested the attendance of 10 representatives for the discussion and asked for their names in advance. Despite this, the email sent by the Junior Doctors’ Front to the Chief Secretary on Sunday evening did not include the names of the representatives. Additionally, the email failed to confirm the withdrawal of the hunger strike, adding further pressure on the state administration.
Allegations Against Health Secretary:
Meanwhile, the Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD), representing senior doctors, has written to the CM with specific allegations against Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam. The letter claims that multiple medical associations have raised concerns about the Health Secretary’s actions, including favoritism in transfers and promotions. Notably, the reinstatement of Sandeep Ghosh just two days after his transfer was reportedly orchestrated by the Health Secretary. He has also been accused of manipulating COVID quota admissions and supporting corrupt officials in the Medical Council and Health University.
The Joint Platform of Doctors has demanded the removal of the Health Secretary, stating that he cannot avoid responsibility for the irregularities under his watch. The junior doctors have also raised concerns about corruption in the health system, calling for the formation of an elected Resident Doctors’ Association.
Government’s Position:
Despite the growing unrest, CM Mamata Banerjee has already made it clear during a phone conversation on Saturday that the removal of the Health Secretary is not an option at this time. However, the CM has expressed her willingness to engage in dialogue to resolve the situation and restore normalcy in the healthcare sector.
The Left-wing and ultra-left political leaders have been accused of influencing the junior doctors and pushing them to make unreasonable demands, further complicating the situation. Some within the medical community believe that the protesting doctors are using these demands to stay relevant and keep the pressure on the administration.
The state’s healthcare system is under significant strain, and the public is hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis.