West Bengal Medical Council Faces Allegations of Irregularities

Kolkata - The Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD), an association of senior doctors in West Bengal, has called upon the state government to address alleged "irregularities" within the West Bengal Medical Council. In a communique to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, JPD joint conveners Punyabrata Gun and Hiralal Konar expressed concerns over the recent transfer of doctor release orders, claiming they were conducted "unethically" and "inhumanely" in violation of National Medical Council regulations.

The association specifically highlighted the "silence" of the state Health Department regarding disciplinary actions against doctors accused of fostering a "threat culture" within the healthcare system. Despite findings from multiple high-powered inquiry committees validating allegations against these doctors, the JPD argues that the Health Department's inaction is eroding mutual trust and jeopardizing the well-being of stakeholders. The JPD contends that this silence contradicts a promise made by the higher administration for early recovery of mutual trust, which is crucial for the interests of all stakeholders.

The JPD's communique comes amidst internal conflict within the ruling Trinamool Congress party, fueled by a dispute between two of its doctor-leaders holding positions within the Medical Council. Trinamool Congress legislator and state Medical Council president, Dr. Shanta Roy, asked State Health and Family Welfare Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam to replace former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member, Dr. Santanu Sen, as a state government-nominated member of the council. The rift between Dr. Roy and Dr. Sen, both practicing medical professionals, emerged following the August rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. Tensions escalated further due to a central agency investigation into financial irregularities at the hospital, which involved Enforcement Directorate raids and questioning of Dr. Roy.

(Source- IANS)