West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged protesting junior doctors to return to work, stating that while she is prepared to resign from her post, her priority remains justice for the RG Kar rape-murder victim and ensuring proper medical care for citizens.
Addressing a press conference, Banerjee said, “I am ready to resign as the Chief Minister of West Bengal. I am not concerned about the post. My only concern is justice for the victim and ensuring that ordinary people receive medical services.”
She also assured that no disciplinary action would be taken against the doctors currently on strike.
Banerjee explained that she had made several attempts to engage with the protesting junior doctors, stating, “I waited for three days, hoping they would come forward to resolve the issue. Even after they rejected the Supreme Court’s verdict, I waited alongside my top officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DG, and my MoS. I apologize to the people of this country and the world for any inconvenience caused, but I am committed to justice for both the victim and the common people.”
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, which directed the doctors to resume work, Banerjee noted that the state had refrained from taking action. “Three days have passed since the verdict, yet we have not initiated disciplinary measures because sometimes we must tolerate such situations,” she said, adding that it was the government’s duty to be patient.
On the matter of live-streaming the discussions with the doctors, Banerjee said it was not possible due to the ongoing legal case. “We had waited for 2 hours and 10 minutes, urging the doctors to approach the discussions with an open mind. The deadlock can only be resolved through dialogue. In the past two days, we also waited for two hours each day. Our role is to forgive, and we are still open to talks,” she stated.
Banerjee emphasized that her administration had no intention of punishing the doctors, expressing disappointment that they did not enter the hall for discussions despite being allowed entry. “We had invited 15 representatives, but 34 delegates arrived. We allowed them all in, yet they chose not to participate,” she said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the impact of the ongoing strike, stating that 27 people have died and over 7 lakh citizens have been deprived of medical services over the last 32 days. “There are 1,500 serious cases that need urgent attention,” she added.
Banerjee also pointed to her government’s efforts in improving healthcare, mentioning that under her leadership, the number of medical colleges in the state had increased from 12 to 35, along with the construction of 43 super-specialty hospitals. “Despite the difficulties, senior doctors are continuing to work. We were hopeful for a breakthrough today, but we will continue to forgive and show patience,” she remarked.
The protests follow the tragic rape and murder of a second-year postgraduate medical student inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9.
(ANI)