Mamata Banerjee gives assurance, doctors call off strike after 7 days

The junior doctors at NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata have called off the strike after meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The strike ended after seven days.

“We came here for discussion because we want a solution… We believe that you have good intentions. If possible, please take appropriate action against the unwanted incidents that have taken place,” the doctors said during the meeting on Monday, dubbing the Chief Minister their “guardian”.

In a statement, as reported by news agency ANI, the junior doctors said, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to CM Mamata Banerjee. After an enormous movement, the meetings and discussions with our chief minister met a logical end. Considering everything, we expect the government to solve the issues as discussed in due time.”

“We are proud of our doctors. You may be angry with my government but please go back to work. I will be very happy if you announce the end of your ceasework now,” CM Banerjee told the doctors after the meeting. She also added that the people must be sensitised, “all patients are not bad”.

“The Governor is happy that amicable settlement has been arrived at the meeting held today between the Chief Minister and the doctors,” an official statement from the office of Bengal Governor KN Tripathi read, as he welcomed the resolution.

“He (Governor Tripathi) appreciates the initiative taken by the Chief Minister and also the junior doctors to resolve the impasse. He hopes that the doctors will take up the work of care and treatment of patients as per the high ideals of their noble profession,” the statement reads.

The junior doctors of Bengal had gone on strike on June 11 protesting assault of a resident doctor at the Trauma Centre of the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi by the friends and family of a patient who died in NRS hospital on Monday last.