'Last Attempt To Resolve The Crisis': West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Meets Protesting Doctors In Kolkata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday (14 September) visited the protest site of junior doctors in Kolkata.

This comes two days after talks between her and the agitating doctors broke down on Thursday.

The West Bengal CM on Saturday assured the protesting doctors that she would consider their demands if they placed their trust in her, but emphasised that she needed time.

Banerjee added that the administrative and police officials whose resignations the junior doctors have demanded are not her “friends” and those found guilty would be punished.

"I will study the demands, I don't run the government alone. I will speak to the chief secretary, home secretary and director general of police. Action will be taken against those who are found guilty," she said.

She also urged the junior doctors to return to the work.

"Return to work. I will ensure that no injustice happens. I will set up committees in every hospital which will have senior and junior doctors as members. Everyone found guilty will be punished, it is not like they are my friends (referring to the demand for the resignation of some officials)," the West Bengal CM said, NDTV reported.

She claimed this would be her last attempt to appeal to junior doctors.

"This is my last attempt to resolve the crisis... If you keep your faith in me, I will look into your complaints. The case is on in the Supreme Court (which had set a 10 September deadline for the doctors to return to work) and the next hearing is on Tuesday. I don't want you to suffer. I have come to make a request as your 'didi' (big sister), not as a Chief Minister. I am empathetic and I support your protest...," she said.

On Thursday, scheduled talks between the state government and junior doctors broke down over the issue of livestreaming at Nabanna.

While the CM waited inside Nabanna, junior doctors stayed outside after the state government did not accept their demand for a live telecast of the meeting as the matter is in the court.

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