West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has disbanded the Rugi Kalyan Samitis, the patient welfare associations in state-run hospitals, following protests by junior doctors. These Samitis, which were originally established for approving healthcare decisions, featured representatives from various governmental bodies. During a surprise visit to the protesting doctors, Mamata, who also oversees health, urged them to return to work, promising no punitive actions. She announced that healthcare governance will now be managed by medical college principals and emphasized her commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure. The junior doctors welcomed the dismantling of the Samitis and are prepared to discuss their demands, including justice for a recently victimized medical trainee and accountability for health officials.
Kolkata: On Saturday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took a significant step by disbanding the Rugi Kalyan Samitis, which are organizations designed to support patient welfare in state-run hospitals throughout West Bengal. This decision came as she sought to engage with junior doctors who were protesting at the Swasthya Bhawan in Salt Lake, a suburb of Kolkata.
The Rugi Kalyan Samitis, established under the National Health Mission, were responsible for overseeing important decisions regarding hospital infrastructure and patient admissions. However, Mamata Banerjee expressed her lack of awareness about their operations in the state, leading to this unexpected move. Addressing the junior doctors, she urged them to return to work, highlighting concerns for patients who may have suffered due to the ongoing protests.
Mamata, who also handles the health portfolio, reassured the doctors that their demands would be met with consideration and stated that the governance of healthcare facilities would now transfer to the principals of medical colleges, incorporating voices from junior doctors and nurses.
The junior doctors had been protesting for several days, voicing their frustrations over issues including justice for a colleague’s tragic incident and the alleged corruption within the health department. The chief minister, appealing to them as a sister rather than a politician, promised that no punitive actions would be taken against them if they resumed their duties.
This recent development has sparked discussions on the structure of health committees in the state, and the junior doctors’ association welcomed the dismantling of the Samitis, signaling their readiness to engage in dialogue regarding their demands. The situation reflects ongoing tensions within the healthcare sector in West Bengal as both the government and medical professionals navigate these complex challenges.
Tags: Mamata Banerjee, Junior Doctors, West Bengal Healthcare, Rugi Kalyan Samitis, Patient Welfare, Protests, Healthcare Infrastructure.
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What is the meeting about?
The meeting is about discussing the concerns and issues raised by the protesting doctors. -
Where will the meeting take place?
The meeting will take place at Mamata Banerjee’s home in Kalighat. -
Who is invited to the meeting?
The protesting doctors are invited to the meeting. -
Why are the doctors protesting?
The doctors are protesting to address various issues in the healthcare system and their working conditions. - When is the meeting scheduled?
The specific date and time of the meeting have not been announced yet.
