In a show of growing frustration, the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF) has written a letter to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, raising concerns over the incomplete and inaccurate minutes of a crucial meeting held between junior doctors and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on October 21, 2024.

In their communication, the junior doctors pointed out that the minutes of the meeting do not reflect several key issues discussed during the sit-down, particularly their demand for the formation of Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) at all medical colleges in the state. The absence of this significant demand from the minutes has left the junior doctors feeling unheard and sidelined, deepening their sense of frustration.

A Struggle for Recognition

For the junior doctors, the stakes are high. Their plea for the formation of RDAs, which would give them a formal platform to voice their concerns and fight for better working conditions, has been a long-standing issue. The fact that this demand wasn’t included in the meeting record is seen as a clear indication that their concerns have not been taken seriously.

"The minutes of the meeting should reflect every single issue discussed, especially those that impact our daily lives," said Arvind Kumar, a junior doctor at a Kolkata medical college. "We were hopeful that this meeting with the Chief Minister would bring us the attention and support we deserve. To see our demands omitted from the records is deeply disheartening."

The Emotional Toll on Healthcare Workers

The incomplete minutes have only added to the emotional and mental strain that junior doctors have been experiencing for months. Working long hours in often high-pressure environments, junior doctors are at the frontlines of patient care, yet their own well-being and professional rights often take a backseat. For many, the battle for recognition is as exhausting as the physical demands of their work.

"We dedicate our lives to patient care, but it feels like we are not being treated with the same level of respect by the system we work for," said Priya Das, a second-year junior doctor. "We want fair working conditions, better facilities, and a platform to voice our concerns. These promises were made to us, but now it feels like they are being forgotten."

A Call for Transparency and Accountability

The WBJDF has requested a meeting with the Chief Secretary to clarify the discrepancies in the meeting records and seek a commitment from the government on the implementation of their demands. The group has made it clear that they will not back down until they receive clear answers and assurances.

"Our demands are not trivial; they are about our dignity as healthcare workers and the quality of healthcare we can provide," said Sanjay Roy, a member of the WBJDF. "We need a transparent process that reflects the promises made to us. If the government truly cares about healthcare in Bengal, it needs to listen to the voices of those who are working day and night to care for the people."

The Road Ahead: Ensuring Fair Treatment for Junior Doctors

With tensions mounting, the junior doctors are determined to continue their fight. Their commitment to the cause, despite the challenges, speaks volumes about their dedication to improving the healthcare system in Bengal. They hope that by holding the government accountable, they can ensure better working conditions for themselves and future generations of doctors.

As they await a response from the Chief Secretary, the junior doctors remain united in their resolve to make their voices heard and secure the changes they so desperately need.