Health Secretary’s absence raises eyebrows amid critical meeting on doctors strike

The absence of Health Secretary Narayanaswaroop Nigam from a pivotal meeting at Health Bhaban on Monday has raised significant concerns as junior doctors continue their protests over health corruption and poor conditions. Chief Secretary Manoj Panth convened the meeting with 18 representatives from six medical organizations to discuss the worsening health crisis in the state. Despite the urgency of the situation, Nigam’s nonattendance has sparked speculation regarding his role in the ongoing issues within the health sector.

During the meeting, doctors voiced multiple complaints related to health corruption, with many calling for the resignation of Nigam. Doctor Abhik Ghosh expressed disappointment at the health secretary's absence, emphasizing that his input was crucial given the serious allegations against him. Sources indicate that Nigam was occupied with preparations for an upcoming Supreme Court hearing regarding the RG tax case, which may have contributed to his absence.

Despite the discussions, the meeting concluded without any written commitments from the government to address the junior doctors' 10-point demands. The lack of concrete promises has left many doctors dissatisfied, as they feel their concerns are being overlooked. The junior doctors have intensified their protests, moving their hunger strike to Raj Bhavan, where they are calling for accountability and expressing distrust in the CBI's handling of corruption allegations.

Several doctors, including Pulastya Acharya and Tanaya Panjar, have required hospitalization due to health complications arising from the prolonged hunger strike. As protests spread to Dharmatala and Siliguri, the situation continues to escalate, with the government facing increasing pressure to take meaningful action to resolve the ongoing health crisis.