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Bengal Health Suspends Two Doctors
Bengal Health Department Suspends Two Doctors Linked to Sandip Ghosh
The Health Department of the West Bengal government has suspended two doctors believed to be close associates of Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, who is currently in the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The suspension, announced on Thursday, follows Ghosh’s alleged involvement in financial irregularities during his tenure at the state-run hospital. The two suspended doctors are Avik De, the resident medical officer (RMO) in the radiodiagnosis department of Burdwan Medical College, and Birupaksha Biswas, a senior resident doctor in the pathology department of the same institution.
Suspension and Transfers of the Involved Doctors
Avik De’s suspension order indicates that a departmental inquiry has been initiated against him, as stated in the official documents. On Wednesday, Biswas was transferred from Burdwan Medical College in East Burdwan district to Kakdwip Sub-divisional Hospital in South 24 Parganas district. These actions are part of the broader response to the ongoing investigation into Ghosh’s activities during his time at R.G. Kar Medical College.
Allegations of Misconduct and “Threat Culture”
In the wake of a recent tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, several junior doctors have come forward with accusations against De and Biswas. They allege that both doctors, who are closely associated with Ghosh, fostered a “threat culture” within the hospital, where junior doctors and interns were intimidated and coerced into compliance with their directives. These allegations further intensified scrutiny on the practices and governance under Ghosh’s leadership at the hospital.
Ghosh’s Legal Battle Against the CBI Probe
Sandip Ghosh, whose tenure as the principal of R.G. Kar Medical College has come under intense scrutiny, moved the Supreme Court on Wednesday to challenge the CBI probe into the alleged financial irregularities. The CBI investigation has revealed several complaints related to financial misconduct and administrative malpractices during Ghosh’s time in charge. Despite his efforts to contest the investigation, the Health Department has already suspended him from state medical services due to the ongoing probe.
Financial Irregularities Under Ghosh’s Leadership
The allegations against Ghosh involve multiple instances of financial irregularities at R.G. Kar Medical College. Key charges include awarding various contracts to private and outsourced parties without obtaining necessary approvals from the Health Department and the college council. Ghosh is also accused of bypassing standard procedures by having infrastructure-related work done by private entities instead of the Public Works Department (PWD), which is the standard protocol for such tasks.
Another serious charge involves the unauthorized sale of biomedical wastes from the hospital, including organs from unidentified bodies brought to the mortuary for post-mortem examinations. These actions not only violate established medical and ethical standards but also suggest a pattern of exploiting the hospital’s resources for personal gain.
Impact on the Medical Community and Future Implications
The suspension of Avik De and Birupaksha Biswas, along with the broader investigation into Sandip Ghosh’s tenure, has cast a shadow over the medical community in West Bengal. The case highlights the need for stringent oversight and accountability in managing state-run medical institutions. As the investigation continues, the Health Department’s actions reflect an effort to restore trust and integrity within the healthcare system, ensuring that such alleged misconduct is thoroughly addressed and prevented in the future.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on current reports and available information regarding the suspensions and ongoing investigations involving the West Bengal Health Department and R.G. Kar Medical College. The legal proceedings and inquiries are still ongoing, and all individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The content herein is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or a definitive statement on the outcomes of the investigations.
