Thu Sep 12 17:57:50 UTC 2024: ## Doctors Refuse Meeting with West Bengal CM, Strike Continues
**Kolkata, September 12, 2024:** A dramatic standoff unfolded at the West Bengal State Secretariat today as striking resident doctors refused to meet with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after the government refused their demand for a live stream of the meeting. The doctors, who have been on strike since August 9th following the rape and murder of a doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, claimed the live stream was essential for transparency.
The government, citing the subjudice nature of the investigation into the doctor’s death, maintained that the meeting could not be streamed or telecast live.
The Chief Minister, who waited for two hours at the Secretariat for the meeting, expressed her disappointment and appealed to the doctors to end their strike, noting the death of 27 patients in the past month due to the lack of treatment. She also refuted the doctors’ accusations that they are motivated by a desire to see her removed from office.
The doctors, however, stood firm on their demand for transparency. They also reiterated their other demands, including the resignation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, action against senior government officials, increased security for health workers, and an end to the “threat culture” in hospitals and medical colleges across West Bengal.
Despite several rounds of email negotiations, the talks failed to make any progress. The impasse is likely to continue as the doctors remain committed to their strike.
The Supreme Court has warned the doctors that they could face action from the State government if they fail to resume work.
First Piper 