Mamata asks WB docs to rejoin work

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed to the junior doctors on Saturday to end their strike and resume work at the earliest as hundreds of patients await medical treatment, including children and the elderly.

Claiming that the government has taken all measures for their safety and security, she reiterated that no action like promulgation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) will be taken against the agitating doctors.

The reaction of the Chief Minister came after a representation from the junior doctors from NRS Medical College & Hospital did not turn up for talks at Nabanna on Saturday despite the former giving them time for a meeting with her.

"Healthcare is an essential service that cannot be stopped. I will appeal to them on behalf of the government to please join work on humanitarian grounds and restore normalcy by lifting the strike. I will not take any action against them. Let good sense prevail," Banerjee said.

She also reiterated that "one must show respect to the constitutional body". "I have cancelled all my programmes and waited for them on Friday. I did the same today (Saturday) as the government is keen to resolve the impasse. I think the state Secretariat, Nabanna, is the highest place for holding talks on such matters. We have shown enough patience and have already adhered to all their legitimate demands. We are open to any other additional demands that may be put forth... But we want an amicable solution to this problem. I have spoken to the Governor and he is convinced," she maintained.

The CM referred to a number of instances where other governments had taken strong action against the agitating doctors. "The BJP government under Modi in 2009 had imposed ESMA and arrested 150 doctors on strike. The Tamil Nadu government had increased internship of the doctors from one to two years. But I believe in democracy and my government is extremely sensitive to their demands. I don't want to take any stern action against them as it will be a blot on their careers forever. Some junior doctors met me today (Saturday) and have said they want to join work. I am hopeful that soon more and more doctors will resume their duties," she added.