Bengal Health Department Cracks Down on Referral Culture in Government Hospitals
The Superintendent-cum-Vice Principal of Calcutta Medical College and Hospital has been removed from his post and transferred to Raiganj Government Medical College and Hospital following allegations of patient harassment linked to broker syndicates allegedly operating within the hospital system.
According to official orders, the senior doctor has now been reassigned as a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Raiganj Government Medical College and Hospital. Prior to becoming the MSVP of Calcutta Medical College in July 2022, he had served as a professor of pharmacology at Cooch Behar Medical College.
CM Suvendu Adhikari Warns Against Referral Culture
Soon after assuming office, Suvendu Adhikari reportedly issued a stern warning against the growing “referral culture” in government hospitals across West Bengal.
During a meeting held on May 15 at SSKM Hospital with senior health department officials, superintendents, and principals of 12 medical colleges in Kolkata, Adhikari directed authorities to ensure that patients are admitted whenever even a minimum number of beds are available, keeping their medical condition in mind.
Complaints of Patient Referrals Continued Despite Warning
Despite the government’s directive, allegations continued to emerge that patients were allegedly being referred elsewhere from several government medical colleges and hospitals.
Acting on these complaints, the state health department on Monday removed the doctor from his post as Superintendent-cum-Vice Principal of Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. While officials termed it a “routine transfer,” sources indicated that additional administrative reshuffling could follow in departments and institutions facing controversy.
According to reports, changes may also impact bodies such as the West Bengal Health Recruitment Board and West Bengal University of Health Sciences.
Dr Shantanu Sen Appointed New MSVP
Following the latest administrative order, Dr Shantanu Sen, Professor in the Department of General Surgery at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, has been appointed as the new Superintendent-cum-Vice Principal of the institution.
Doctor Forums Seek Major Healthcare Reforms
Several doctor forums, including the Joint Platform of Doctors, have reportedly written to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari seeking sweeping reforms in the state healthcare administration.
The demands include restructuring the West Bengal Health Recruitment Board, overhauling the administration of West Bengal University of Health Sciences, and reforms within the West Bengal Medical Council.
Health Department Intensifies Accountability Measures
The latest transfer is being viewed as part of the West Bengal health department’s broader effort to strengthen accountability and improve patient care standards in government-run hospitals amid growing scrutiny over alleged broker syndicates and referral practices.
