Kolkata: Four months after the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, junior doctors in the city have once again taken to the streets in protest on December 6.
The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF), leading the agitation, announced a march from the West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) headquarters to Swasthya Bhawan, the state health ministry’s office, in response to the controversial reinstatement of two doctors, Dr. Avik De and Dr. Birupaksha Biswas, into the council.
Reinstatement Sparks Outrage
Dr. De and Dr. Biswas, previously associated with IPGMER SSKM Hospital and Burdwan Medical College, were allegedly close to RG Kar’s former principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, and members of the Trinamool Congress’s student wing, TMCP. The two were debarred in August after being seen at RG Kar on the day of the incident, despite having no formal ties to the institution. They were also implicated in financial irregularities and corruption under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
In addition, the duo were reportedly part of a notorious “threat syndicate” accused of controlling hospital activities through extortion, intimidation, and malpractice. Their presence at a WBMC meeting on December 2 prompted an impromptu protest by junior doctors, culminating in the resurgence of mass demonstrations.
State Government Under Fire
The WBJDF accuses the state government of shielding Dr. De and Dr. Biswas despite a probe by Swasthya Bhawan that found them guilty of corruption, misconduct, and harassment.
“Their reinstatement wouldn’t have been possible without the knowledge of Mamata Banerjee, the health minister. This protest is about holding her accountable,” said Dr. Debashis Halder, a WBJDF member.
Protesters claim that the ruling party’s connections have allowed the “kingpins of threat culture” to escape punishment, undermining efforts to address the systemic issues in West Bengal’s healthcare sector.
Public Support and Growing Frustration
The doctors’ agitation has garnered widespread public support, with citizens and civil society groups actively aiding protests. However, frustration is mounting over the perceived delay in justice.
“There’s been no progress in the case. The CBI has only named Sanjay Roy in its chargesheet, making him a scapegoat, while others, including Dr. Ghosh, remain uncharged. The state government has also withheld clearance for prosecution in corruption cases. People are frustrated and angry,” said Dr. Halder.
The reinstatement of Dr. De and Dr. Biswas has further fueled outrage. “It feels like a betrayal. It sends a message that the government condones the toxic culture that led to Abhaya’s death,” lamented Dr. Anustup Mukherjee, another WBJDF member.
Call for Accountability and Reform
The protesting doctors argue that removing politically affiliated individuals like Dr. De and Dr. Biswas from positions of power is critical to dismantling the threat culture in state-run hospitals.
“Abhaya’s death is a tragic result of this toxicity. We can’t let it go unpunished,” said Dr. Tuhin Barman. He also highlighted the systemic nature of the problem, pointing out that disciplinary committees are often staffed by those perpetuating the culture of intimidation.
To address these issues, the WBJDF has called for transparent elections to these committees and strict action against those found guilty. “Punishing De and Biswas would be a step towards creating a safer and more ethical healthcare environment,” added Dr. Barman.
The protests underscore a growing demand for accountability, justice, and systemic reform in West Bengal’s healthcare system.
