Fri Sep 13 03:20:20 UTC 2024: ## Standoff Continues: West Bengal CM Waits Two Hours for Doctor Delegation, Meeting Fails

**Kolkata, India -** The ongoing standoff between protesting doctors and the West Bengal government entered another day of deadlock on Thursday. Despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee waiting for two hours to meet with the doctors, the meeting failed to materialize after the doctors refused to enter the designated meeting venue.

The development comes after the government issued a third invite to the doctors for talks aimed at resolving the month-long protest, sparked by the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. While the government agreed to the doctor’s demand for Banerjee’s presence, it refused to live telecast the meeting, citing legal concerns as the case is currently subjudice.

Banerjee expressed her willingness to record the meeting for transparency and even share the recording with the Supreme Court’s approval. She acknowledged the doctors’ request for a live telecast but reiterated the legal constraints.

The doctors had initially agreed to meet with the Chief Minister, sending a delegation of 30 members. However, they remained steadfast in their demand for a live telecast, ultimately leading to the meeting’s collapse.

Banerjee expressed disappointment, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue for the benefit of both doctors and patients. She noted that the government had even expanded the invited delegation size from 15 to 34 to facilitate the meeting.

The doctors, meanwhile, continue their protest, highlighting the need for improved safety measures for medical staff following the tragic incident. The standoff has had a devastating impact on public healthcare services in West Bengal, with reports of 27 patients dying due to lack of medical attention in government hospitals over the past month.

The government remains hopeful for a negotiated resolution and has reiterated its commitment to addressing the doctors’ concerns. However, the stalemate underscores the complexities of the situation, demanding a delicate balance between ensuring justice for the victim and restoring normalcy to healthcare services.

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