West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has offered to resign from her position if it would benefit the people and ensure justice in the murder case of an RG Kar hospital doctor.
"I apologise to the people of Bengal who expected an end to the RG Kar impasse today. They (junior doctors) came to Nabanna but did not sit for the meeting. I request them to go back to work," Banerjee told a press conference.
"I am ready to resign for the sake of the people as, despite my best intentions and efforts in the last three days, the medics declined to hold talks," the chief minister said.
Stalled negotiations
Efforts to resolve the ongoing strike by junior doctors in West Bengal reached an impasse on Thursday when the doctors refused to negotiate with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee unless their demand for a live-streamed meeting was met. The doctors, protesting the alleged rape and murder of a female colleague at RG Kar Medical College, remained outside the meeting venue for over an hour, creating a tense standoff with government officials.
Government’s response
Despite Mamata's willingness to meet with the doctors and the state government's assurance of a recorded session for transparency, the doctors insisted on a live broadcast. Chief Secretary Manoj Pant stated that live streaming was not feasible but assured a full video recording of the session. Pant urged the doctors to reconsider, emphasizing the government's efforts to accommodate their demands.
Healthcare disruptions
The strike has severely disrupted healthcare services at government hospitals, with the death of the 31-year-old trainee doctor on August 9 leading to widespread protests. The situation has reportedly resulted in 27 deaths and suffering for seven lakh patients, compounding the crisis in the state’s healthcare system.
Chief Minister’s plea
A visibly frustrated Mamata Banerjee expressed her willingness to forgive the protesting doctors despite the ongoing stalemate. She also apologized to the people of Bengal for the crisis, offering to resign if it would help resolve the situation. Banerjee reiterated her commitment to seeking justice for the murdered doctor and ending the strike.
Next steps
The deadlock remains unresolved as both sides continue to hold firm on their positions. The state government has called for the doctors to return to work while continuing efforts to address their grievances and restore normalcy in the healthcare sector.
Also read | Mamata Banerjee on stalemate with protesting doctors: 'I apologise to Bengal people' | Top quotes
