Deadlock Resolved: West Bengal's Health Standoff

The ongoing standoff between West Bengal's CM Mamata Banerjee and junior doctors over the rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical Hospital was addressed in a meeting. Banerjee urged doctors to end their hunger strike while promising to address several demands, except the removal of the health secretary.

The standoff between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and junior doctors over a shocking medic's rape and murder at RG Kar Medical Hospital appears to be thawing, following a nearly two-hour meeting on Monday evening.

For the first time, talks were live-streamed from the Nabanna secretariat, marking the 17th day of a fast by some doctors. Banerjee called for an end to the hunger strike, asserting that most doctor demands were addressed, though she denied the removal of the state health secretary.

Accusations of a 'threat culture' surfaced, with some junior doctors alleging their suspensions were unjustified. Tensions remain high as doctors demand systemic reform, urging resolution by October 21, as six medics are hospitalized and eight continue their fast.

(With inputs from agencies.)