Two days after negotiations between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and protesting junior doctors fell through, Banerjee visited the dharna site where the doctors have been staging a sit-in.
In her visit, Banerjee expressed willingness to consider the doctors' demands if they could trust her, though she emphasised that she requires more time to address their concerns, The Indian Express reported.
“As a CM, elder sister, and one among your agitation, I will try to solve your problems. I cannot force you. I can only appeal to you. I went on a hunger strike for 26 days when the CPIM was in power. No one came to me then. I will not take any action against you. We are not the Uttar Pradesh police. We need you back to work. Think and decide,” she said.
The visit followed a breakdown in scheduled talks over the issue of livestreaming the meeting, which the junior doctors had insisted on. The state government had denied this request, leading to a stalemate.
During her visit, Banerjee indicated that the administrative and police officials whose resignations the doctors have requested are not her “friends” and that she needs time to investigate their roles.
Banerjee framed her visit as a final effort to resolve the situation, underscoring her personal commitment to the doctors' cause. She assured that if the doctors returned to work, she would review their demands with sensitivity and take appropriate action against any wrongdoing.
Banerjee also announced plans to reform patient welfare committees by appointing principals as chairpersons and ensuring proper representation for all, including students.
Despite her assurances, Banerjee faced a firm stance from the junior doctors, who reiterated their five-point demands and maintained their readiness to discuss their concerns but remained resolute on not compromising their demands. They expressed disappointment that discussions had not occurred earlier, despite acknowledging Banerjee’s role as a guardian of the state.
The junior doctors have been on strike for 35 days, highlighting issues within the healthcare system. While they welcomed the Chief Minister’s visit, they remained firm in their demands and continued to call for meaningful dialogue to address their concerns.