The West Bengal health department has received numerous complaints from students about the ongoing “threat culture and irregularities in the examination system” at various government hospitals and medical colleges, following the incident at RG Kar Medical College, according to a senior official.

All complaints have been forwarded to the State-Level Grievance Redressal Committee, established by the state government after junior doctors initiated a “total cease work” protest.

The official stated, “In recent days, we’ve received many complaints regarding a culture of intimidation and irregularities in the examination system at medical colleges. While we don’t have specific numbers, all complaints have been sent to the grievance committee.”

Reports indicate that complaints have emerged from six out of the 25 state-run medical colleges and hospitals, with several complaints being sent directly to the state health secretary and the Director of Health Services.

Efforts have been made to address some complaints, and necessary actions have been taken, including suspensions of medics involved in threatening behaviors. Recently, 40 medics at the College of Medicine and JNM Hospital in Nadia district were suspended for six months due to allegations of intimidation. Following protests, five student doctors at North Bengal Medical College were also suspended for similar reasons.

The junior doctors had resumed their duties on September 21 after a 42-day protest triggered by the tragic incident of a female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. However, they resumed their cease work on Tuesday, claiming the government had failed to meet its commitments.

Aniket Mahato, a protesting medic, emphasized the need to address deep-rooted corruption in the state’s health department and medical colleges, stating that their agitation has inspired junior and resident doctors to voice their concerns.

Alongside demanding justice for the deceased doctor, the protesting medics presented a broader list of grievances, including the removal of the state’s health secretary, enhanced police protection in hospitals, and filling vacant posts for healthcare professionals.

Source: PTI

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