Bankura: Serious allegations of mental harassment, obstruction of medical training, and professional intimidation have surfaced against a senior professor and Head of the Chest Medicine Department at Bankura Sammilani Medical College, prompting the West Bengal Health Department to launch an official investigation.
Junior Doctors Allege Toxic Work Environment, Threats and Neglect
In a formal complaint submitted to the State Health Department and the Director of Medical Education (DME), a group of junior doctors accused the HOD of creating a toxic and intimidating work environment. They alleged that the professor:
- Routinely neglects indoor patients
- Obstructs the clinical training of junior doctors
- Avoids patient responsibilities
- Subjects students to mental harassment and threats
According to the complaint, the situation has become so severe that one junior doctor reportedly required psychological therapy after being repeatedly harassed and threatened.
Protests Break Out Amid Inaction by Authorities
The junior doctors claim they had repeatedly reported the issue to the college principal, Dr. Panchanan Kundu, but no action was taken. Frustrated by the inaction, the students launched a protest movement within the campus, demanding immediate intervention and removal of the accused professor.
A third-year postgraduate trainee told India Today TV,
“We have informed the principal several times about the mental torture by our departmental head… but we had to protest because we haven’t received justice yet. From personal attacks to career threats—this has gone beyond our tolerance now.”
Another trainee added,
“He doesn’t visit his own patients, even once every six months. Several incidents have occurred due to his negligence. The department runs solely because of junior doctors. When we protest, they threaten us with career consequences.”
Complaint Goes Viral, Health Department Orders Inquiry
The issue gained wider attention after the complaint letter went viral on social media, triggering outrage from the medical community and the public. In response, the Health Department ordered an immediate inquiry and constituted a seven-member investigative committee headed by hospital superintendent Dr. Arpan Kumar Goswami.
While the investigation is currently underway, the protesting doctors have raised concerns over the impartiality of the probe, alleging that the HOD may influence the outcome due to his seniority. They have demanded his removal from the post during the inquiry to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
College Principal Responds
Reacting to the growing controversy, Principal Dr. Panchanan Kundu confirmed the investigation, stating:
“A departmental inquiry is underway. We have received the complaint and will submit a report very soon.”
Rising Concerns Over Medical Work Culture
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about workplace ethics, mental health, and hierarchical abuse in India’s medical education system. Medical associations and student bodies have expressed concern and urged institutions to ensure psychological safety and academic fairness for postgraduate trainees.
The outcome of the ongoing investigation is expected to set a precedent for how such complaints are handled in medical institutions going forward.
