After assurances by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, agitating doctors call off strike

The joint forum of regional junior doctors on Monday evening called off the ongoing impasse after holding talks with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The delegation said they were satisfied with the meeting and measures proposed by the government.

Junior doctors met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday and apprised her of the problems they have been facing at medical colleges and hospitals in the state.

Banerjee was told that medical professionals have been working under tremendous fear. "We want exemplary punishment for those who assaulted NRS doctors," the joint forum of regional doctors told the chief minister today.

Junior doctors of NRS hospital, Kolkata announce that they are calling off the strike. pic.twitter.com/OGVbtToORH — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2019

According to reports, Banerjee during the meeting accepted the proposal of doctors to set up a Grievance Redressal Cell in government hospitals, news agency ANI reported.

She directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma to deploy a nodal police officer in every hospital.

"We have taken adequate measures, arrested five people involved in NRS hospital incident," she added.

Junior doctors of #NRSMedicalCollege & Hospital, Kolkata: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the CM. After an enormous movement, the meeting and discussions with our CM met a logical end. Considering everything we expect the govt to solve the issues as discussed in due time. pic.twitter.com/QSF9NZc24E — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2019

Only two regional news channels were allowed to cover the meeting between Banerjee and junior doctors that took place at the state secretariat.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday agreed for media coverage of her meeting with two representatives from each Medical College of the state.

Press Secy to WB Guv: He appreciates initiative taken by CM & jr doctors to resolve the impasse. He hopes doctors will take up work of care&treatment of patients as per high ideals of their profession&also that state govt will take all steps committed in the meeting expeditiously https://t.co/VtayaaU9ub — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2019

Medical professionals went on strike and took to protesting after two junior doctors at Kolkata's NRS hospital were allegedly attacked by the relative of a patient last Tuesday. The patient had died on June 10.

The unrest spilt over to other states, assuming a nationwide agitation.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Monday began its strike with the withdrawal of non-essential health services across the country in the wake of the recent assault on doctors in West Bengal.