Following days of turmoil in Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday, 17 June met the doctors on protest and discussed their demands and security. The seven-day protest was finally called off after the meeting.
A doctors' delegation apprised Banerjee in the meeting of the problems they have been facing at medical colleges and hospitals and said they fear for their safety.
Besides 31 junior doctors, West Bengal health secretary, MoS Chandrima Bhattacharya and other state officials were present in the meeting.
Here are the key highlights from the meeting between Mamata Banerjee and doctors:
1. Nodal Officer at Every Hospital
Mamata asked the police to appoint nodal officers for security of doctors at all government hospitals in the state.
2. Increased Security at Hospitals
In the meeting, the Chief Minister also said that there will be increased security at hospitals which will include installation of collapsible gates at emergency ward entrances.
3. ‘Grievance Redressal Units in All State-Run Hospitals’
Banerjee also directed formation of grievance redressal units in all state-run hospitals as proposed by the junior doctors.
4. ‘No Doctor Has Been Booked by State Government,’ Says Mamata
The chief minister in the meeting assured that no doctor has been booked by the state government.
She also said “no case against doctors. You are small small children, why will we register a case against you?”
5. PR Personnel Available to Interact With Patient’s Family
After two doctors were attacked by the relatives of a patient, it was decided in the meeting that PR personnel will be available in the hospitals to Interact with the patient's family.
It was also discussed that only two relatives of the patient party can enter the emergency.
6. ‘Adequate Measures Taken, Five People Arrested’
Mamata told the doctors that the state government had taken adequate measures and five people involved in the NRS hospital incident had been arrested.
7. ‘Increase Public Awareness on Conduct in Hospitals’
Banerjee also emphasised the need to increase public awareness on conduct in hospitals.
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