Mamata Banerjee Addresses Protesting Junior Doctors, Promises Action
Kolkata: On Saturday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made an unexpected visit to the site of a protest by junior doctors, offering reassurance and promising to address their concerns. The demonstration, which has been ongoing since Tuesday, took place outside the Swasthya Bhawan in Salt Lake, with doctors demanding improved security in state-run hospitals and accountability following a recent tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Amid chants of “we want justice,” Banerjee addressed the protesters, stating she was there as their “didi” rather than as a chief minister. She expressed her distress over the doctors’ plight, which had led them to protest in adverse weather conditions.
“I assure you that I will study your demands and take action if someone is found guilty,” Banerjee said, urging the doctors to return to their duties. She also announced the immediate dissolution of patient welfare committees across all state-run hospitals, describing this move as her final attempt to resolve the crisis.
Despite Banerjee’s assurances, the protesting doctors remained firm, stating they would not compromise on their demands until meaningful discussions took place. The junior doctors are advocating for better safety measures and the removal of senior officials in response to the alleged rape and murder of a fellow doctor, which has heightened their grievances and led to the ongoing protest.
