Shafaqna India: Junior doctors continued their “cease work” and sit-in protest outside the West Bengal Health Department headquarters for the third consecutive day on Friday. This follows the failure of a proposed meeting aimed at resolving the dispute between the protesting doctors and the Bengal government over the RG Kar hospital issue.
Approximately 30 medics from 26 medical colleges who participated in the demonstration had gone to Nabanna for talks, but the meeting did not take place because the government rejected the doctors’ request for live-streaming the discussions. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that live-streaming was not possible as the matter is sub-judice and pending before the Supreme Court. She added that the government was willing to record the meeting and provide the footage to the doctors with the court’s permission.
The protesting doctors have announced that their demonstration outside Swasthya Bhavan, the state health department headquarters, will persist until their key demands are addressed. These demands include the suspension of the Police Commissioner, Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, and Director of Medical Education.
“We will continue our protest despite our desire to return to work, but only once our demands are met,” stated representatives from the protesting doctors’ forum.
The state government and Chief Minister Banerjee have repeatedly urged the doctors to resume their duties. Despite Thursday’s failed negotiations, the doctors remain hopeful for a meeting conducted in a fully transparent manner, which they believe can only be achieved through live-streaming.
The doctors have received widespread public support, with many citizens showing solidarity by providing food and essentials, either by adjusting their Durga Puja budgets or celebrating birthdays with the protesters.
“I am offering my respect to these living gods for the future of my 11-year-old daughter,” said one father who distributed sweets to the medics.
A significant police presence has been deployed around Swasthya Bhavan in Salt Lake to maintain order and ensure smooth traffic flow.