KolKotta: The West Bengal Government has requested protesting junior doctors to attend a meeting at Nabanna, the state secretariat, at 5 PM on Thursday. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has agreed to meet with a 15-member delegation, but has declined to allow live streaming of the talks.
In a new communication on Thursday, the Mamata Banerjee-led government reached out to the demonstrating medical staff again. While the government has increased the size of the allowed delegation from 12-13 to 15 members, it has not accepted the protesters’ request for a 30-member team.
The administration has rejected the demand for live broadcasting the discussion but has consented to video record the meeting.
Previously, the protesters had requested that a team of 30 members be permitted to meet with CM Mamata Banerjee. The government initially proposed allowing only 12-13 members on Wednesday, but has now agreed to 15.
The primary concern of the protesters is ensuring the protection of female healthcare workers in Bengal. Additionally, they have called for the dismissal of several high-ranking officials, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner, the Director of Health Education, the state Health Secretary, and the Director of Health Services.
In his letter to the protesters, Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant stated that the meeting would be limited to 15 delegates to facilitate a smooth discussion. He confirmed that while live telecasting was not permitted, the meeting could be recorded to maintain transparency and accurately document all discussions.
Pant expressed hope for a positive response from the protesters, emphasizing the government’s commitment to collaborating for the benefit of the numerous patients relying on the state’s public health infrastructure.
