West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has agreed to meet four out of the five demands of the protesting junior doctors, who are seeking justice for the murder and mistreatment of RG Kar Hospital trainee doctors. Despite her appeal for them to resume work, the doctors have refused and pledged to continue the protests until all their demands are fulfilled.
Mamata Banerjee confirmed that Kolkata Police Commissioner Binit Goyal will step down, fulfilling one of the main demands from the junior doctors. The new police commissioner will assume office today at 4 PM.
She has also dismissed Kaustab Naik, Director of Medical Education, Dekshish Haldar, Director of Health Services, and the Deputy Commissioner (North) of Kolkata Police, following allegations of bribery by the victim’s family.
Addressing the media, Mamata Banerjee announced that after six hours of discussions, the government agreed to four of the five demands put forth by the junior doctors. She called on the doctors to return to work and assured that no legal action would be taken against those participating in the protests.
Mamata also revealed plans to form a committee under the Chief Administrative Secretary to investigate corruption in the health department. After the meeting, 42 junior doctors, along with the Chief Minister, signed a document finalizing the agreement. Mamata expressed her gratitude to the doctors for their participation in the discussions.
On September 12, the junior doctors were scheduled to meet Mamata Banerjee at ‘Nabanna,’ but none of them attended, despite the Chief Minister waiting for two hours. Later, on September 14, she met the protesting doctors near Salt Lake, urging them to end their agitation and return to work.
After yesterday’s meeting, the junior doctors held a press conference, calling it a victory for their movement but confirming that the protests would continue until all their demands are met. They emphasized that their protest would persist until corruption in the health department is addressed and the system is democratized.
The junior doctors also stated that they would continue their agitation until the Supreme Court hearing, after which they would decide on their next course of action.