West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday visited Swasthya Bhawan, the state health department headquarters in Salt Lake, Kolkata, where junior doctors are holding a sit-in protest, and assured them of justice in the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case.
Addressing the protesting doctors, Banerjee expressed her concern and empathy, saying that she was deeply troubled by the doctors’ plight, especially as they continued their protest in adverse weather conditions.
“I have been a student leader myself and have faced many struggles in my life. I understand your situation,” the Chief Minister said. “It rained all night, and I was worried about you. I will thoroughly examine your demands and ensure that anyone found guilty will face strict action. Please give me some time to study your concerns with senior officials. No action will be taken against the protesting doctors.”
She further appealed to the doctors to return to work, assuring them that ongoing development, infrastructure, and security improvements in hospitals would continue. Banerjee emphasized that their demands were being taken seriously, and the government would find a solution.
To ensure security and monitor the situation, the Kolkata Police have installed CCTV cameras at the protest site and nearby areas.
The protest comes in response to the rape and murder of a second-year postgraduate medical student at RG Kar Medical College on August 9. Junior doctors are demanding justice and improved safety measures at medical institutions. Despite the Supreme Court setting a deadline for doctors to resume work, the protests have continued.
Earlier, on September 13, junior doctors criticized Banerjee for refusing their request to live-telecast a meeting and for not engaging with them directly. They argued that live broadcasts are standard in parliamentary and administrative discussions and expressed frustration over being asked to leave their electronic gadgets outside the meeting room, preventing them from recording the proceedings.
(Inputs from ANI)