||Black and White Digital News ||

||September ||17,2024||

In a significant development regarding the ongoing protest by junior doctors in West Bengal, the agitating medics have stated that they are willing to join the state government’s proposed meeting on the condition that the minutes of the meeting be recorded and shared by both parties. This demand comes after the arrest of a Kolkata Police officer by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the RG Kar hospital case, raising concerns about the transparency of the investigation and related discussions.

The prolonged protest, which has entered its 36th day, stems from the tragic rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital. The doctors have been demanding justice for their colleague, the removal of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, and the dismissal of senior state health officials, all while continuing a sit-in protest at Swasthya Bhawan, the headquarters of the Health Department.

Timeline of Events:

Failed Attempts at Dialogue:

After four unsuccessful bids to initiate dialogue between the West Bengal government and the doctors, a delegation of junior doctors arrived at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence on Monday evening for crucial talks. These talks followed weeks of deadlock over transparency issues, specifically the doctors’ demand to live-stream the meeting.

Doctors’ Demands:

Initially, the doctors demanded live-streaming of the meeting to ensure transparency. However, after much negotiation, they compromised and requested that only the minutes of the meeting be recorded, with copies signed and shared by both parties. This was seen as a middle ground to maintain transparency without publicizing the entire meeting.

Government’s Response:

The state government, represented by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, accepted the doctors’ condition, allowing two stenographers from the doctors’ side to be present and record the minutes. Pant assured that both parties would sign the minutes for transparency and clarity. The government’s agreement on this front marked a potential breakthrough in the deadlock.

Doctors’ Reluctance:

Despite agreeing to attend the meeting, the doctors remained adamant about their five core demands. They stated that while they were open to discussions, they would not compromise on these issues. A spokesperson for the protesting doctors affirmed that they sought a solution but emphasized that any agreement must address their demands fully.

The Broader Context:

The RG Kar hospital incident has shaken the medical community, and the response of the state government has been closely scrutinized. Adding to the complexity, the recent arrest of a Kolkata Police officer by the CBI in connection to the case has intensified calls for transparency. This arrest has led doctors to insist on proper documentation and transparency in the negotiations, fearing that critical issues might be swept under the rug without concrete accountability.

The Chief Minister’s Appeal:

Ahead of the meeting, CM Mamata Banerjee urged the doctors to resolve the issue through dialogue, emphasizing that “every issue can be resolved through discussions.” She pointed out that the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on Tuesday, expressing hope that the impasse would end before judicial intervention.

Previous Attempts and Setbacks:

Banerjee’s direct involvement has been a focal point throughout the standoff. On Saturday, she made a surprise visit to the protest site, assuring the doctors that their concerns would be addressed. However, this attempt at dialogue failed when the doctors were left waiting for hours at her residence, which they described as being asked to leave “unceremoniously.”

The ongoing crisis at RG Kar Hospital continues to be a major issue, with junior doctors determined to fight for justice while maintaining pressure on the state government. The doctors’ insistence on transparent proceedings, even if only in the form of recorded minutes, reflects their deep mistrust of the authorities, especially after the arrest of a police officer linked to the case. Whether Monday’s meeting will finally break the deadlock remains to be seen, but the doctors have made it clear that their participation hinges on full transparency and documentation.