The protesting doctors in Kolkata against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor have announced that they will continue their strike until all their demands are met. They also sought fresh talks with the state government, a day after meeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The announcement was made by the doctors after a five-hour-long governing meeting, which ended at 1 am on Wednesday, reported India Today. Holding a press conference, the doctors said they will continue the agitation and cease work till all their demands are met. " We want fresh talks with the state government," they said.
Following a meeting with CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday, the Chief Minister announced that the majority of the demands have been accepted by the state. Accordingly, Kolkata City Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal was transferred and CM Banerjee announced the setting-up of the high-level panel under the Chief Secretary to address the demands by doctors.
The doctors had also demanded the sacking of the Chief Secretary NS Nigam, however, the government did not decide on the matter in favour of the medicos.
While the protestors hailed the outcome of the Monday meeting as a "moral victory", they refrained from calling off the protests and said that a decision in this regard would be announced after further discussions.
A day after the meeting, the doctors sought a new round of talks and said that the government should provide them with a "democratic environment". They also list fresh demands including measures to ensure adequate toilet arrangements, installation of CCTV cameras, and increased security. They also demanded proper accommodation for doctors and the conduct of student body elections.
The protesting doctors also demanded the rollback of the government directive that barred female doctors from working late night shifts. They asserted that their protests will continue until all their demands are met.