Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 12, 2024, Kolkata: Junior doctors have launched a campaign to Nabanna, the state secretariat, with a delegation of 30 representatives, making it clear that they intend to meet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The agitating doctors had communicated their decision to the Chief Secretary via email, stating their firm stance on the size of their delegation.
Before heading to Nabanna, the protesting doctors held a press briefing where they revealed that the Chief Secretary had informed them via email about a scheduled meeting with them at 5 p.m. at Nabanna. The Chief Secretary had written to the protestors on Thursday afternoon, indicating that the state would hold a discussion with the junior doctors, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would be present. The letter mentioned that 15 representatives from the junior doctors’ side were expected to attend the meeting and that the discussion could be recorded for transparency.
However, the junior doctors have insisted on bringing 30 representatives instead of the 15 suggested by the administration. They have made it clear that a meeting with fewer than 30 representatives would not be feasible for them. Their intention is to meet the Chief Minister directly and discuss their demands.
The doctors arrived at Nabanna by 4:45 p.m., having organized a bus to transport their 30 representatives to the state secretariat. Their firm approach signals their determination to engage in a direct dialogue with the state administration. The junior doctors also demanded that the entire meeting be live-streamed. They argued that if Supreme Court hearings can be broadcast live, then their discussion with the state government should also be made public. They plan to present this demand to the authorities at Nabanna.
The junior doctors aim to discuss their 5-point demand during the meeting. These demands have been communicated to the Chief Secretary in advance via email. They seek a transparent discussion and believe that live streaming the meeting would help maintain clarity on the proceedings and outcomes.
This campaign by junior doctors comes in the wake of ongoing grievances over working conditions, security, and other professional issues. The doctors have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in healthcare facilities and are seeking concrete assurances and actions from the government to address these issues.
As the junior doctors prepare to sit face-to-face with the state administration, all eyes are on the outcome of this crucial meeting. The presence of the Chief Minister at the discussion is a significant step, and the junior doctors hope that their demands will be addressed adequately. The demand for live streaming adds a layer of public accountability, underscoring their desire for transparency in the negotiation process.
The state government’s response and the potential resolutions arising from this meeting could play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare services and the working environment for doctors in West Bengal.