Ultimatum to Mamata: AIIMS RDA threatens to go on indefinite strike if demands not met in 48 hrs

New Delhi, Jun 15: Resident Doctors of All India Institue of Medical Sciences, who called off

their protest, here on Saturday gave a 48-hour ultimatum to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata

Banerjee and threatened that if demands of the agitating junior doctors are not accepted, they will go on an indefinite strike.

AIIMS RDA in a statement said, "We condemn the hostile and unapologetic attitude of the government of West Bengal. Our protest at AIIMS, New Delhi continues until justice is meted out.'

"According to the decision taken in a general body meeting held on June 14, RDA issues an ultimatum of 48 hours to the West Bengal government to meet the demands of the striking doctors there, failing which we would be forced to resort to an indefinite strike at AIIMS, New Delhi. We hope that our colleagues across the nation will join us in this hour of need," it added.

Some of the doctors at the AIIMS said, 'The core demand is security, including CCTVs, security

personnel, restricting entry, improving patient-doctor relationship - perhaps with counselling centres.

And CM should apologise.'

On Friday, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan shot off a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister

Mamata Banerjee saying states should take all possible preventive and deterrent measures, as deemed required so that a peaceful environment prevails and doctors and clinical establishments discharge their duties and professional pursuit without fear or any violence.

'The states should take all possible preventive and deterrent measures, as deemed required so that a peaceful environment prevails and doctors and clinical establishments discharge their duties and professional pursuit without fear or any violence and attacks on them. Together we shall ensure safe

and cordial environment for doctors and patients,' Dr Vardhan said.

Resident doctors at AIIMS wore bandages on their face and body as they gathered at Jawaharlal Nehru auditorium and spoke about increasing cases of violence against doctors on Friday.

Indian Medical Association has also launched a three-day nationwide protest and called for a strike on June 17, Monday, with the withdrawal of non-essential health services, including OPDs.

Meanwhile in Kolkata, the striking junior doctors once again ruled out attending Mamata Banerjee-

called meeting at Nabanna at 1700 hrs, making it clear that the Chief Minister will have to come

to NRS Medical College and Hospital and hold a meeting to find a solution.

Talking to newspersons after the General Body meeting of the striking junior doctors, one of the

representatives said, 'We don't vouch for a closed-door meeting at Nabanna. The Chief Minister will

have to come to NRS for a discussion on our six-point charter of demands.'