Jr doctors demand resignation of Health Secretary, Mamata asks, “Are you going to drive everyone out of one family?”

Junior doctors in West Bengal have ramped up their protests, demanding the resignation of Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam due to ongoing administrative failures in the healthcare system. This demand was prominently voiced during a recent phone call between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the protesting doctors, where frustrations over the state of healthcare were laid bare. In response to the demand, Banerjee firmly stated, “Are you going to drive everyone out of one family?”

The junior doctors argue that the Health Secretary has failed to address significant issues within the health sector, including inadequate resources, poor working conditions, and a lack of effective administrative oversight. They contend that these shortcomings have negatively affected patient care and hospital operations, prompting their urgent call for Nigam’s resignation. A protesting doctor highlighted that the Health Secretary must be held accountable for the administrative dysfunction that has left healthcare workers and patients alike frustrated.

During the conversation, Banerjee also questioned the commitment of the protesting doctors, pointing out that some have accepted positions in private nursing homes despite participating in the protests. She said, “Do you know that many who protested have joined private nursing homes? Should I investigate that?”

Banerjee further expressed her willingness to investigate any allegations of corruption within the health sector, emphasizing the importance of accountability. However, she maintained her stance against the immediate resignation of the Health Secretary, suggesting that such a drastic step is not a viable solution to the systemic problems they face. As the protests continue, tensions remain high between the junior doctors and the state government.