The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front (WBJDF) is scheduled to meet with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant today, September 18, 2024, at 6:30 PM, as discussions continue regarding the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case.
This meeting follows a series of recent administrative changes, including transferring key officials such as Commissioner of Police Vineeth Kumar Goyal, the Director of Medical Education, and the Director of Health Sciences.
The previous day, on September 16, the Bengal government announced these transfers in response to the ongoing protests by junior doctors. The initial meeting between the doctors and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on September 16 resulted in an agreement to address several demands, including justice for the victim and enhanced safety measures in medical institutions. Despite this, the WBJDF has labelled the outcome a "partial victory," indicating that some of their demands remain unresolved.
In a follow-up email to the Chief Secretary, the WBJDF reiterated their concerns, explicitly highlighting unresolved issues related to developing the healthcare system, safety, and security within medical colleges. The doctors emphasized the need for further discussions to address these key points.
During the meeting with Chief Minister Banerjee, it was announced that a special task force would be established to tackle these issues. The WBJDF’s upcoming meeting with state administration officials and task force members aims to push for concrete resolutions and enhance security measures in response to the prevailing threats and safety concerns.