'Reaching out for 5th...final time': Mamata invites doctors for meet
The Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal has extended a fifth invitation to junior doctors protesting over the rape-murder of a 31-year-old medico at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The junior doctors have refused to rejoin work until justice is served in this case and several top officials are removed from their positions. Previous meetings between the state government and the doctors were called off due to disagreements on several issues, such as live-streaming.
Government urges doctors to resume duties
Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, in an email to the protesting doctors, urged them to resume their duties as per the Supreme Court's directive issued on September 9. The letter stated, "This is the fifth and final time we are reaching out to you for a meeting between the Honourable Chief Minister and your delegates." It also mentioned that there will be no live streaming or videography of the meeting, given that the matter is sub judice in India's highest court.
Doctors' demands include accountability and improved security
The protesting doctors are demanding justice for the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College on August 9. Their demands include accountability for those involved, action against former medical college principal Sandip Ghosh, and the resignation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam. The doctors are also calling for improved security for healthcare workers and an end to what they describe as a "threat culture" in government-run healthcare institutions.
Doctors' strike enters 39th day
The doctors' strike has now entered its 39th day. The doctors have been on strike since August 10, a day after the body of the trainee doctor was found in the hospital premises. She had been raped and murdered, allegedly by a ward boy who was later arrested. The incident sparked outrage across the country, with healthcare workers and students protesting against the lack of security in medical colleges and hospitals.
Doctors' strike: SC to hear plea against Calcutta HC order
Separately, the Supreme Court will on Monday hear a plea filed by the West Bengal government against the Calcutta High Court's order, which directed the striking doctors to resume work. The high court had also ordered the state government to ensure that no action is taken against them. On September 9, a bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant said it would consider whether there was any "error" in the high court's order.
