Junior doctors flout 5 pm deadline, continue protest in front of Health building

Junior doctors in Kolkata have refused to call off their strike even after the 5 pm deadline set by the Supreme Court. The doctors are staging a protest in front of the Health Building, declaring that their five demands have not been met.

Despite the state government's lack of response, the protesting doctors have expressed a willingness to engage in discussions with officials but warned that without action, they will escalate their protest, similar to their earlier demonstrations at Lalbazar.

The key demands include the resignation of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, the State Health Secretary, and two senior health officials—the Director of Health Education (DHE) and the Director of Health Services (DHS). The doctors have stated that their return to work is contingent on the state government addressing their concerns and cleaning up the health sector.

Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended an invitation for dialogue, urging the striking doctors to form a delegation of 5 to 10 members to meet her. She reiterated the Supreme Court's request for them to resume work and emphasized her openness to hear their grievances directly.