The massive reshuffle of the state government has sparked a backlash from doctors' associations. (File image)
The timing of the transfers has raised concerns about the government's intentions and their potential impact on ongoing protests.
As nationwide protests continue over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government has ordered the redeployment of 42 professors and doctors from various medical colleges and hospitals in the state. triggered new controversy.
As per an official notification dated August 16, 2024, the West Bengal Medical Education Service (WB-MES) has appointed and transferred 42 professors and doctors across the state. Among those transferred, two doctors – Dr Sangeeta Paul and Dr Supriya Das – were posted to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
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The government's decision for a massive reshuffle amid ongoing protests has sparked outrage from doctors' associations and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, which said it was a conspiracy and an attempt to “scare” senior healthcare professionals.
The Doctors United Front association strongly condemned the move and said such measures would not quell demands for justice and security.
“We strongly condemn @MamataOfficial @BengalGovernor's unfair relocation of faculty and staff who supported our protest. These punitive measures will not suppress our demands for justice and safety. We are united and determined to fight,” it posted on X Said in the article.
The timing of the transfers has raised concerns about the government's intentions and their potential impact on ongoing protests.
In response to the transfer order, protesting doctors at RG Kar Medical College said that they had heard about the transfer of some senior professors, but were not sure whether this was related to the protests.
Read more: ‘Who is she protesting against’: BJP mocks Mamata’s fight against Kolkata doctor rape-murder case
One protesting doctor said: “It is true that some of the doctors who were transferred are part of our movement… They support our protest. But whether this transfer was because of their support is not clear. We are trying to find out the facts. If If true, then we wish to withdraw the transfer order.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party also lashed out at the TMC government led by Mamata Banerjee, criticizing the transfer order.
Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP's IT cell, accused the state government of “desperately trying to intimidate the senior medical community into submission”.
“On August 16, the health department of the government of West Bengal issued an eight-page list of transfer orders, adding to an already chaotic situation. Mamata Banerjee targeted Calcutta Medical College and Calcutta National Medical College Hospital. These two are at the center of the protests against her fascist regime. What is Mamata Banerjee trying to hide? said in the post.
On August 16, the Health Department of the West Bengal government issued an eight-page list of school transfer orders, making the already chaotic situation worse. hospital. These two are at the center of protests… pic.twitter.com/TyLZqGA2fO
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 17, 2024
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also slammed the TMC for its “authoritarian” mentality when doctors and medical staff took to the streets demanding justice.
“TMC means Tanashahi Mujhe Chahiye. Instead of cracking down on gang-rapists at RG Kar Hospital in Bengal, the Mamata government is busy cracking down on those who are fighting for justice. Stalin would be proud!” he said on X.
TMC means Tanashahi Mujhe Chahiye, instead of suppressing gang rapists of RG Kar hospital in Bengal, Mamata government is busy suppressing those who are fighting for justice. Dilla Gandhi, Kim Jong Un or Stalin would be proud! pic.twitter.com/VRcDAOdKC5— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) August 17, 2024
Amid the row, the TMC accused its political opponents of false narratives. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said, “What they are saying is wrong. They do Hathras, Unnao. In this RG Kar incident, Within 12 hours, the defendants were arrested. They used false narratives to create trouble. If they had questions about the notice, they were asked to go to court.
Read more: CBI ramps up pressure on former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh as Kin claims murdered doctor 'under pressure'
Government sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also said these were routine transfers and denied the accusations related to the ongoing protests.
The horrific incident has shocked the country, with protests continuing across the country demanding immediate action to investigate. Junior doctors and medical students staged protests at hospitals and medical colleges in Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and other cities, demanding speedy justice.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide strike. The IMA has announced a 24-hour suspension of services for all modern medicine doctors across the country, regardless of their department and place of work. Emergencies and casualties will come into play. There is no OPD. There are no elective surgeries. Withdrawals start at 6am on Saturday morning and will end at 6am on Sunday, August 18, 2024.
The Calcutta High Court has handed over the case to the CBI for further investigation.
