Tension Escalates: West Bengal Doctors Demand Justice and Reforms

Junior doctors in West Bengal have been on a hunger strike for 17 days, demanding justice for a murdered colleague and systemic reforms in state healthcare. A meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee discussed issues like the 'threat culture' in hospitals, with both sides presenting differing views.

Tensions are running high in West Bengal as junior doctors continue their hunger strike, now on its 17th day. The protest aims to address systemic issues in healthcare, following the alleged rape and murder of a colleague at RG Kar Hospital. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with the agitating doctors to discuss their demands.

During the meeting, which lasted nearly two hours at the state secretariat, both parties tackled the 'threat culture' prevailing in hospitals. Although Banerjee urged the doctors to end their fast, she rejected calls for dismissing the state health secretary amid accusations of supporting the harmful culture. The doctors, however, insisted on systemic reforms.

Despite the Chief Minister's commitment to addressing some demands, fast participants vowed to continue their protest. They have threatened a state-wide strike if their conditions are unmet by October 21. As tensions rise, the need for a resolution becomes ever more urgent to ensure patient care is not compromised.

(With inputs from agencies.)