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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee made a surprise visit to the protest site of junior doctors, promising action on their demands. Despite her visit, the doctors continue their protest.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made an unexpected visit to the doctors protest site at Swasthya Bhawan in an attempt to defuse the escalating situation. The junior doctors have been protesting for several days, demanding enhanced security at state-run hospitals following the tragic rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Despite her visit and assurances, the doctors are standing firm, continuing their protest until their concerns are fully addressed.
Mamata Banerjee’s Visit to Doctors Protest Site
CM Mamata Banerjee’s surprise visit to the doctors protest site was her latest effort to engage directly with the protesting doctors. Banerjee assured the doctors that she had come as their “didi” (elder sister) and not as the state’s chief minister. She acknowledged the severity of their demands and promised to investigate and take appropriate action if anyone was found guilty.
Among the immediate actions Banerjee took was the dissolution of patient welfare committees at all state-run hospitals, a move aimed at addressing the doctors’ concerns. However, despite her efforts, the doctors protest remained ongoing, with the doctors insisting on a full discussion of their demands before they would consider returning to work.
Junior Doctors’ Demands and Continuing Protest
The doctors protest has been focused on several key demands. The primary concern is the need for better security at government hospitals following the horrific incident at RG Kar Medical College. The doctors are also calling for the removal of certain officials they hold responsible for systemic issues at these institutions. Even though Banerjee has promised to study their demands thoroughly, the doctors remain resolute, refusing to back down until their demands are comprehensively addressed.
The junior doctors have been protesting under challenging conditions, enduring heavy rain and difficult circumstances since Tuesday. Despite the chief minister’s visit, they have made it clear that they will continue their protest until all their demands are heard and discussed in full.
Mamata Banerjee’s Final Appeal
In a bid to bring the doctors protest to a peaceful conclusion, Mamata Banerjee noted, “This is my last attempt to resolve the crisis,” and urged the doctors to return to their duties. She emphasized her willingness to address their concerns, but the doctors seem determined to continue until more concrete actions are taken.
Banerjee’s visit has brought attention to the seriousness of the situation, but whether it will be enough to bring an end to the doctors protest remains uncertain. The doctors have stated they will remain at the site until they are confident that their safety and other concerns will be effectively resolved.
Conclusion
The doctors protest in West Bengal has drawn attention to critical issues in the state’s healthcare system. Despite Mamata Banerjee’s personal visit and assurances, the junior doctors remain on strike, standing firm in their demands for better security and systemic changes. The outcome of this standoff remains to be seen as both sides continue to engage in discussions.