Sat Sep 14 22:58:10 UTC 2024: ## West Bengal Doctor Strike: CM Banerjee’s Appeal Falls Flat as Impasse Continues
**Kolkata, September 15, 2024:** West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s attempt to end the ongoing junior doctors’ strike fell flat on Saturday as the impasse over live streaming and video recording of a meeting with the protesting doctors continued.
Despite inviting the doctors to her residence and even offering them tea, Banerjee’s efforts were met with resistance. The doctors refused to hold a meeting without the ability to record or live stream the proceedings, citing security concerns.
The Chief Minister, however, stated that sharing the video of the meeting would require permission from the Supreme Court as the matter is sub judice.
This incident follows a similar meeting at the State Secretariat on Thursday, where the meeting could not be held due to the doctors’ insistence on recording the proceedings.
The doctors, who have been on strike for over a week demanding the removal of the Kolkata Police Commissioner and senior officials of the State Health Department, have maintained that they will not return to work until their demands are met.
Banerjee, while urging the doctors to return to work, stated that her visit was her “last attempt” to resolve the crisis. She had assured the doctors that she will not take action against them.
Meanwhile, the mother of the doctor, who was raped and killed at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, expressed full support for the doctors’ demands.
In related developments, the CBI arrested two officials, including the former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, for allegedly tampering with evidence in the rape and murder case.
The Bidhannagar City Police also arrested two persons, including a CPI(M) leader, for allegedly hatching a conspiracy to attack the protesting doctors.
The stalemate continues, leaving the state’s healthcare system severely impacted. The Chief Minister has announced financial relief for families who have lost loved ones due to disruptions in health services caused by the strike.
First Piper 