Updates from the Meeting Between Chief Minister and Junior Doctors

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 21, 2024, Kolkata : In a significant meeting held today, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee engaged with junior doctors in Kolkata, addressing ongoing concerns within the medical community. The meeting was livestreamed, allowing the public to witness the dialogue between the Chief Minister and healthcare professionals.

Today's meeting between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and junior doctors was livestreamed, allowing the public to observe the discussion.

Chief Minister: "I hope my siblings are physically well. It is a good thing that you have accepted the time."

Chief Minister: "I hope you will not increase the demands. Increasing demands every day makes it difficult for us."

Asfaqullah Naiya: "Every time we come late, there is a complaint. But every time, the communication is delayed, so we arrive late. This time it did not happen, so we were not late. The physical condition of the fasting junior doctors is not very good; however, they are continuing their hunger strike."

Debashis Halder mentioned Sandeep Ghosh, ex-principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, and Ashish Pandey, who are accused of contributing to a culture of threats from the Navanna meeting. The Chief Minister objected, stating, "Those who are not here should not be named. Doctors should express what they want to say." Debashis responded, "There are complaints against some of them. What should we do in that case?" The Chief Minister replied, "There are complaints against many people."

Kinjal Nanda raised a point regarding those accused in the vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 14, asking for the Chief Minister's opinion on the matter. The Chief Minister asked, "Is this a new demand or not?" The doctors clarified, "It was just a statement."

Aniket Mahato, a third-year postgraduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, expressed his surprise at the alleged cycle of crime occurring within the college. He stated that there needs to be an impartial committee where anyone with complaints can come forward.

The junior doctors demanded the removal of Health Secretary Narayanswaroop Nigam during the Navanna meeting. A young woman explained the difference between the accused and the guilty.

Chief Minister: "I claim that the resignation was made under pressure in North Bengal. That is also a kind of threat culture."

Chief Minister: "I will not blame you alone. Maybe we were wrong. There was an error, for which you have to go to this place."

The Chief Minister expressed final frustration towards the principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, demanding, "You suspended 47 people yourself? Why didn't you send the proposal to the health department? From there, I would decide. Is it not a threat culture?"

Aniket Mahato then entered into a direct conflict with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, asserting that he had been suspended after an investigation by the committee. He spoke on behalf of the principal of RG Kar.

He noted, "We can't just do two things. Our hands are tied. First, the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case is being tried in the Supreme Court. Secondly, the government cannot change the Medical Council from time to time."

Chief Minister: "I fasted for 26 days. Not a single government official came to me. I myself went to Dharanasthal. I have sent the chief secretaries. I have inquired about the health of the doctors on hunger strike every day. I searched for hours."

Chief Minister: "We cannot sleep at home if you are out. Please lift your hunger strike."

Key Highlights from the Meeting

Chief Minister's Opening Remarks

The Chief Minister opened the discussion with a message of hope for the junior doctors, stating, "I hope my siblings are physically well. It is a good thing that you have accepted the time." She expressed her concerns about the continuous rise in demands from the doctors, noting that it complicates the government's ability to respond effectively.

Doctors Express Their Concerns

Asfaqullah Naiya, representing the junior doctors, emphasized the challenges faced during negotiations. "Every time we come late, there is a complaint. But every time the communication is late, we are a little late," he said. He highlighted that the physical condition of fasting junior doctors is deteriorating, yet they continue their hunger strike in solidarity for their cause.

Discussion of Accusations and Accountability

Debashis Halder raised serious concerns regarding individuals implicated in a threatening culture, mentioning Sandeep Ghosh and Ashish Pandey during the meeting. The Chief Minister objected to naming individuals not present, asserting that doctors should focus on expressing their grievances rather than making accusations. Debashis countered that complaints must be addressed, leading to a robust discussion about accountability within the healthcare system.

Demands for Transparency and Fairness

Junior doctor Kinjal Nanda questioned the handling of recent vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, seeking clarity on the government's stance. The Chief Minister responded, "Is this a new demand or not?" reinforcing the notion that the meeting was not merely a platform for airing grievances but for seeking constructive solutions.

Aniket Mahato, a third-year postgraduate trainee at RG Kar, voiced the need for an impartial committee to handle complaints against individuals involved in misconduct. His comments underscored the desire for transparency and fairness in addressing grievances within the institution.

Call for Cooperation

The Chief Minister reiterated her commitment to supporting the doctors, recounting her own experience of fasting for 26 days, during which no government officials visited her. "I cannot sleep at home if you are out," she implored, urging the junior doctors to lift their hunger strike.

As tensions remained palpable, the Chief Minister expressed frustration over the handling of the RG Kar Medical College situation, demanding accountability from the principal regarding the suspension of staff members. "Why didn't you send the proposal to the health department? I would decide. Is it not a threat culture?" she challenged.

A Path Forward

The meeting concluded with a shared acknowledgment of the difficulties faced by both parties. While the Chief Minister recognized the need for improvement, the junior doctors emphasized the urgency of their demands. As the dialogue continues, both sides express hope for a resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of medical professionals and patients alike.

This meeting reflects a crucial moment in the ongoing conversation about the state of healthcare in West Bengal, with both the government and junior doctors striving for a harmonious and effective working environment.