After discussions with junior doctors on strike, the Mamata government has agreed to remove the Director of Medical Education and the Director of Health Services. Mamata assured the doctors that the CP would be removed by 4 PM on Tuesday, and a new CP would take over in place of Vineet Goyal. Furthermore, significant changes will occur following Tuesday's SC hearing. The doctors had put forth five demands to the Mamata government, out of which three have been accepted.
Following the government's decision, the doctors held a press conference and announced that their strike would continue, as not all their demands were met.
The Chief Minister announced that the Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) would also be removed following allegations of bribery by the victim's family. In consideration of the junior doctors' demands, Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal stated in the meeting that he was ready to resign. Vineet will hand over responsibilities to the new CP at 4 PM.
'No Action Against Doctors'
The Chief Minister stated that the meeting was 'positive,' accepting three out of the five demands made by the doctors. She appealed to the junior doctors to return to work, ensuring that no punitive action would be taken against the protesting doctors.
Moreover, the Mamata government has formed a committee led by the Chief Secretary to address all issues related to the health sector's infrastructure. They have also decided to remove the Deputy Commissioner (North).
The minutes of the meeting were signed by 42 junior doctors and the CS on our behalf. I would like to congratulate them for attending the meeting. The government has accepted three out of the five demands they had proposed.
Earlier, Mamata Banerjee had met with junior doctors protesting the Kolkata incident on Monday. The meeting concluded after 9 PM, after which the Chief Minister appealed to the doctors to end the strike and return to work at the earliest. Notably, two previous meetings could not take place as scheduled.
Doctors Celebrate
Meanwhile, the striking doctors celebrated the Chief Minister's announcement to remove the Kolkata Police Commissioner. After the meeting, the doctors are heading to the protest site, and it is expected that they will hold a meeting at GB and provide updates on their next steps. They have not yet responded to the Chief Minister's appeal to return to work.
Strike to Continue
The doctors, in a press conference, stated that this is a victory for the movement. They acknowledged that the state administration had accepted most of their demands, but discussions about corruption in the health sector took place. They will not cease the work until these issues are addressed. The cease work will continue until the Supreme Court hearing. They will decide on further actions after the hearing.
'System Should Be Democratic'
The Chief Minister announced that the CP would be removed. This is a victory for the health department. They pointed out the corruption within the health department and questioned the necessity of construction at RG Kar. They also inquired why the Health Secrets should not be removed. The Chief Minister mentioned considering these points and wanted to form a task force. Some funds have been approved. They emphasized the importance of a democratic system.
Five-Point Demand of Doctors
1. Videography of the meeting should be done by separate videographers from both parties. If this is not possible... 2. The full video of the meeting should be immediately handed over to the WBJDF representatives. If this is not possible... 3. The minutes and full transcript of the meeting should be recorded and prepared by both parties, signed by all present as previously mentioned by the CM. 4. Transparency of the meeting is necessary. 5. The meeting location should be an official and administrative site.
