West Bengal Doctors announce to call off strike..
KOLKATA : Ending week-long strike by junior doctors in Kolkata, the agitating medical staff called off their strike on Sunday evening after meeting Mamata Banerjee. “We give CM time to carry out the decisions to meet and will resume work as soon as possible,” they said.
The representatives of protesting doctors arrived at NRS Medical College, the epicenter of the protests which spilled over to other metro cities in India, where they announced their decision on calling off the protest.
The junior students of the NRS hospital extended heartfelt gratitude to the chief minister while calling of the strike. The students said that they would expect the delivery of promises in due time.
“We are proud of our doctors. You may be angry with my government but please go back to work. I will be very happy if you announce the end of your casework now,” she told the doctors after the meeting. She also added that the people must be sensitised, “all patients are not bad”.
“We came here for discussion because we want a solution… We believe that you have good intentions. If possible, please take appropriate action against the unwanted incidents that have taken place,” the doctors said during the meeting today, dubbing the Chief Minister their “guardian”.
The junior doctors said that they are withdrawing the strike after a successful meeting with the chief minister this evening. The doctors added that they are giving CM time to carry out the decisions promised in the meeting. The meeting between the chief minister and the junior doctors turned fruitful and met logical end. The doctors said that they would resume work as soon as
The meeting, held in presence of the media, came as hospitals around the country suspended all but essential services in solidarity with the Bengal doctors. The matter has reached the Supreme Court, which agreed to hear a petition about the safety of doctors.
CM Mamata said, “I am glad that this meeting took place in such a cordial atmosphere”. She added, “I am expecting you will withdraw your agitation after you go back. I will visit NRS once you withdraw the strike”.
West Bengal Mamata Banerjee directs Kolkata Police commissioner Anuj Sharma to deploy a nodal police officer in every hospital, during the meeting with representatives of doctors at Nabanna.
The Chief Minister has promised amendments in the clinical establishment act. The amendments are likely to be tabled in the coming session of the assembly. The demand proposed by the junior doctors of setting grievance redressal units in all of West Bengal hospitals have also been accepted.(With Agency Inputs ).