Significant discontent and protests have been provoked by the recent events in Kolkata’s medical community. The nomination of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the previous principal of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, to a new role at Calcutta National Medical College & Hospital, served as the impetus for the unrest. Students and medical professionals fiercely opposed Dr. Ghosh’s relocation, viewing it as a concerning and unethical move.
A sad incident that happened on August 9 has a significant connection to the debate surrounding Dr. Ghosh. Following the horrific rape and murder of a post-graduate trainee physician at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, there was a public outcry and demands for justice. In response to this serious occurrence, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) called for a statewide stoppage of Outpatient Department (OPD) services, which would take effect on Tuesday. This closure was intended as a protest against the heinous act, demanding responsibility as well as changes to improve the safety of medical personnel.
One patient expressed frustration and confusion while waiting for services, indicating that many patients were kept in the dark following the event and the closure of the OPD at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital. Along with the outrage, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) urged the West Bengal government to carry out a comprehensive and unbiased probe. They called for a national law to prevent violence against doctors as well as enhanced security measures.
The controversy was exacerbated by Dr. Ghosh’s departure from RG Kar Medical College & Hospital just before he was transferred to Calcutta National Medical College & Hospital. Students at the latter school loudly protested their worries, viewing his appointment as a possible danger. They screamed “Go Back” and asked visiting officials, such as TMC MLA Swarna Kamal and West Bengal Minister Javed Ahmed Khan, for promises. Their main objective was to stop the catastrophic occurrences at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital from happening again.
The demonstrations make clear how urgently medical facilities need to improve safety procedures and implement changes. To guarantee the protection of medical professionals—especially women—in their workplaces, structural change is widely demanded, as seen by the IMA’s need for a central law and enhanced security measures. The continued disturbance is a reflection of the medical community’s serious concerns about justice and safety, as well as their joint efforts to address these pressing issues.
SOURCE :
TIMES OF INDIA
