Jr doctors hunger strike continues as GB meeting to address key demands scheduled at NRS

Junior doctors across West Bengal have intensified their protest, refusing to call off their hunger strike before their key demands are fully addressed. A crucial General Body (GB) meeting is scheduled at NRS Medical College on Sunday, following extensive discussions the previous night. The Chief Secretary has called for the doctors to withdraw their strike and attend a meeting with the Chief Minister at Nabanna on Monday. However, the doctors remain resolute in their decision not to step down without concrete actions on their demands.

At the heart of the doctors' protest is the demand for the removal of the Health Secretary, an issue that has been a focal point since the beginning. Despite a phone conversation with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday, facilitated by the Chief Secretary during a surprise visit to the hunger strike site, Mamata ruled out the possibility of removing the Health Secretary, further fueling the doctors’ determination.

Another pressing demand is the formation of a Residential Doctors Association (RDA) and holding college-level student council elections by March 2025. The junior doctors are pushing for an interim student council until the elections are held, ensuring a platform for their representation. Discussions during Sunday’s GB meeting will focus on appointing ten representatives for the upcoming meeting with the Chief Minister to address these concerns.

Additionally, the Chief Secretary’s email mentioned the formation of a grievance cell at the state level, but junior doctors are also demanding similar grievance cells at the college level, alongside the establishment of a task force to address student issues. The doctors are particularly concerned about the lack of student representation in various college administrative committees, which was not mentioned in the Chief Secretary's communication. The GB meeting on Sunday is expected to finalize the junior doctors’ strategy on these critical issues ahead of Monday’s talks with the state government, keeping the protest momentum strong until their demands are met.